By Bhekizenzo Zonele
Bafana Bafana’s perfect run under Pitso Mosimane came to a frustrating end on Friday evening when Benni McCarthy’s Kenya snatched a dramatic late equaliser to force a 2-2 draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
Relebohile Mofokeng gave South Africa the lead again in the second half, and it looked like the hosts were heading for a third consecutive qualifying victory, only for substitute Ryan Ogam to score in the 90th minute and snatch a vital point for Kenya.
The result leaves Bafana at the top of Group D with seven points from three matches, just one point ahead of Guinea, intensifying the battle for qualification.
For McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, the draw marked a memorable return to Orlando Stadium, where he once represented Orlando Pirates.
His Kenyan side came from behind twice to frustrate his former national team.
Bafana made a promising start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala mistakenly directed the ball into his own net.
Despite creating several attacking opportunities, South Africa struggled to convert their chances.
In a post-match interview, Mosimane expressed his frustration and disappointment over the missed opportunities.
“If you want to see the chances we missed, it’s a series right, I got reminded I haven’t been around for some time, to come home and see that in South Africa we can miss a lot of opportunities.”
The visitors were awarded a penalty shortly before half-time when Thabang Matuludi handled the ball inside the penalty area.
Kenya captain Michael Olunga converted the penalty in the 44th minute, bringing the visitors level at 1-1 heading into the break.
Bafana returned from half-time determined to regain control.
Mosimane introduced Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane in the second half, and the changes eventually helped South Africa regain their advantage.
Mofokeng combined with Foster before scoring a stunning volley in the 77th minute, which looked like the winner for the home side.
However, Bafana failed to protect their lead in the closing stages.
Ogam secured a dramatic equaliser for McCarthy’s side after getting past Olwethu Makhanya and firing a low shot through Matuludi’s legs and beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The late goal exposed Bafana’s defensive vulnerabilities, while some supporters questioned why key players such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi had been left out of the starting eleven.
Mosimane defended his team selection after the match, insisting that Bafana’s missed opportunities, rather than the absence of particular defenders, had cost them victory.
Before the encounter, Mosimane had warned against underestimating McCarthy’s side despite Kenya’s disappointing qualifying results.
“You’ve got to respect the level at which he has coached, and you’ve got to respect the level at which he has played,” Mosimane said.
McCarthy, who has an impressive coaching CV, previously coached Cape Town City and AmaZulu before joining Manchester United’s technical team.
He has now been tasked with rebuilding Kenya ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament.
McCarthy said the match was an indication of where his team stood in comparison with other African giants and how far they could potentially progress.
“If you can compete with the likes of Bafana then you already set your self up you can start dreaming about quarter finals and semifinals because this is the kind of opposition you’ll face going into a major tournament”
McCarthy also made tactical adjustments during the encounter, switching to a three-man defence to counter South Africa’s attacking full-backs and give Kenya more control of possession.
Although Kenya have already qualified automatically as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Friday’s result provides encouragement for McCarthy’s side as they prepare for the continental tournament.
For Bafana, the draw means they remain in a strong position to qualify, although Guinea are now just one point behind them in Group D.
South Africa face another difficult challenge on Tuesday, 17 November, when they travel to Nairobi for the return fixture against Kenya at Nyayo National Stadium.
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