Bafana opponents cry foul over 'unfair' AFCON qualifying draw

Guinea national team coach Paulo Duarte has questioned the fairness of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw after his side's defeat to Bafana Bafana.

The West African nation suffered a 2-1 loss to South Africa in their Group D opener at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, leaving them with work to do in a group where only one team can qualify alongside hosts Kenya.

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Bafana legend Benni McCarthy's Kenya are automatically guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the tournament's three co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

As a result, only the highest-ranked team amongst Bafana, Guinea and Eritrea will secure the remaining qualification spot from Group D. The same arrangement applies to Groups H and L, which contain Uganda and Tanzania, respectively.

Duarte questions Group D setup

"So, it's an open group, first of all, but I do not understand how the draw was made," Duarte said in his post-match interview.

"When you look at the draw, actually, with the team of Kenya, Eritrea and South Africa, it doesn't feel like it's fair in terms of the drawing.

"But we have games to play, and we have more games to play, an away game coming, and the game at home as well.

"We will do everything to actually get a result about that. But it feels not fair the way the draw was made by CAF. It was not right; it's not fair."

One place up for grabs

The Harambee Stars will still play their qualifiers, but their results will not determine whether they qualify for the finals because their place is already secured as co-hosts.

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With Pitso Mosismane's side began their campaign with victory over the National Elephants, Kenya and Eritrea played to a 1-1 draw other Group D fixture on Saturday.

Bafana's next qualifier is against Eritrea on Wednesday, while Guinea will host Kenya on 1 October. The Group D battle will continue across the remaining matchdays in November 2026 and March 2027.

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Afcon Qualifers African Football Bafana Bafana Caf Guinea News