Bafana Bafana will face a difficult road to the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after being drawn in a challenging Group D during the official draw held in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday afternoon.
South Africa were grouped alongside co-hosts Kenya, West African side Guinea and Eritrea as the race for qualification to Africaโs biggest football tournament officially began.
While many supporters believe Bafana Bafana have the quality to qualify, Guinea are expected to provide the toughest challenge in the group due to their strong squad and growing reputation in African football. Kenya, boosted by home support as one of the tournament hosts, are also likely to pose a serious threat.
The 2027 AFCON tournament will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
CAF confirmed that 48 nations were divided into 12 groups of four teams, with qualification matches set to start on 21 September and conclude in March 2027.
Bafana Bafana will be hoping to bounce back strongly after their previous AFCON campaign ended in heartbreak in the Round of 16 following defeat to Cameroon national football team in Morocco.
Despite the AFCON draw, the South African national team remains focused on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Football fans across South Africa will now be eagerly waiting to see whether Bafana Bafana can rise to the occasion and secure qualification for the continental tournament.
