Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy will experience mixed emotions tonight when Kenya take on his native South Africa in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D encounter at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm East African Time, with the former Bafana Bafana striker returning to the country where he established himself as one of South Africa’s greatest footballers, this time tasked with leading Kenya against his homeland.

The fixture carries special significance for McCarthy, who remains South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer with 31 international goals from 81 appearances. Despite his professional responsibilities to Kenya, the tactician has made it clear that coaching Harambee Stars has not diminished his patriotism or connection to his country.

In an interview ahead of the encounter, McCarthy confirmed that he would sing the South African national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, acknowledging that his national identity remains an important part of who he is.

“I’m still a South African, and I have done a great deal for my country when it comes to football, so I will sing my national anthem,” McCarthy said.

Having represented South Africa at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and several major international tournaments, the former striker understands the expectations surrounding Bafana Bafana. However, his responsibility tonight is to guide Kenya towards a positive result against a side he knows exceptionally well.

McCarthy has challenged his players to approach the contest without intimidation, describing it as another David-versus-Goliath battle. He believes Kenya possess the technical quality to trouble their hosts if they execute their game plan effectively.

The coach also views the two encounters against South Africa as an important opportunity to assess his squad, identify his strongest combinations and establish a team capable of competing at the highest continental level.

Kenya will have an experienced attacking leader back in the fold, with captain Michael Olunga returning after an extended spell away from international football due to injury.

The Al Duhail forward’s absence was a significant setback for Harambee Stars, with the striker missing several international assignments, including the September and October AFCON qualifying fixtures against Eritrea and Guinea. His return gives McCarthy another reliable attacking option, with his experience, physical presence and goal scoring ability expected to strengthen Kenya’s frontline.

The former Gor Mahia striker is equally aware of the challenge awaiting Kenya and believes matches against established African sides are essential in raising the country’s footballing standards.

“We want Kenya to reach those levels where we can participate and compete with the giants of African football,” Olunga said.

South Africa head into the encounter in stronger qualifying form, having collected maximum points from their opening two matches against Guinea and Eritrea. Kenya, meanwhile, have one point after drawing 1-1 with Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea.

Bafana Bafana will also be looking to maintain their favourable record against Kenya, having won three of their previous four meetings, with the other ending in a draw.

Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for AFCON 2027 through their co-host status alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the remaining fixtures provide valuable competitive preparation for next year’s tournament.

Tonight’s meeting will be followed by the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 17.