Bafana Bafana were denied a third straight victory in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers following a 2-2 draw with Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening.
A ninth-minute own goal by Amos Wanjala thrust South Africa ahead, before Michael Olunga restored parity for the Harambee Stars a minute before the halftime break. But Relebohile Mofokeng reclaimed the lead for Bafana in the 77th minute.
As Bafana appeared headed for a slender win, substitute Ryan Ogam equalised for the East Africans right at the death in the 90th minute.
However, despite dropping two points at home, Bafana remain in charge of Group D with a point clear of second-placed Guinea, who beat Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday. Benni McCarthy’s Kenya remain second from the bottom without a win, but with two points to show in this qualifying campaign.
FARPost takes a look at the major talking points of Bafana’s victory over Kenya.
MOSIMANE’S FAMILIAR STARTING LINEUP, BUT PULLS A HUGE MBOKAZI SURPRISE
Pitso Mosimane picked what some might call a predictable starting lineup, but there was a big Mbekezeli Mbokazi surprise. With the former Orlando Pirates vice-captain back after missing the last camp due to injury, he was expected to march straight into the first XI.
But Mosimane opted to stick with Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon at the heart of defence after this partnership proved steely the last time around. From the side selected in their previous AFCON qualifier against Eritrea, Thapelo Maseko was out with an injury, and Tshepang Moremi stepped in for him.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Aubrey Modiba returned at left-back to have Samukele Kabini benched, while Thabang Matuludi was an almost obvious right-back choice in the absence of the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele.
SOUTH AFRICA’S EARLY PRESSURE PAYS OFF
Bafana sought to unsettle Kenya from the start and were very threatening a high-scoring evening. From the pressure they exerted on their visitors, Valencia reserve team defender Wanjala was forced to beat his goalkeeper Eric Omondi while attempting a back pass, to gift South Africa the opening goal.
OLUNGA GIVES KENYA A LIFELINE
As Bafana searched to double their advantage while Kenya pushed to equalise, Matuludi handled inside the box to concede a penalty. Harambee Stars captain Olunga stepped up to beat Ronwen Williams from the penalty spot.
It was a goal which handed Kenya a lifeline, as they now had a chance to build on Olunga’s goal to take the lead.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG RECLAIMS THE LEAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA
After pressing Wanjala to score an own goal in the first half, Mofokeng returned to hand Bafana the lead in the second half. The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder connected into the net a feed from substitute Lyle Foster, who had come on for Iqraam Rayners.
It was Mofokeng’s third goal in Bafana Bafana colours, but it could not ensure maximum points for the home side.
MAKHANYA BLUNDER GIFTS OGAM AN EQUALISER AND A POINT FOR KENYA
Mosimane might consider making a tweak in central defence when South Africa face Kenya away next week. Makhanya failed to clear a long ball, allowing Ogam to win possession before cutting inside to fire a low shot, which gave Williams no chance.
Ogam’s goal was crucial to frustrate Bafana in their own backyard and hand the East Africans a point on the road.
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