Bafana Bafana held by Kenya after late first-half penalty

South Africa were held 1-1 by Kenya at half-time in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening.

Pitso Mosimane’s side took an early lead after nine minutes, but Michael Olunga’s penalty in the closing stages of the first half brought Benni McCarthy’s Kenya level before the interval.

South Africa survived an immediate scare when goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced an excellent save inside the opening minute. They soon gained control, however, with their high press forcing Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala to turn the ball into his own net.

Kenya struggled to retain possession after falling behind and largely relied on counter-attacks. Their attempts to bring Olunga into the game were limited by the defensive work of Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya, who helped keep the striker under control.

The hosts continued to move the ball effectively as the half progressed. Relebohile Mofokeng was particularly influential, seeing plenty of possession and linking well with his team-mates.

Despite their dominance, South Africa could not create another clear-cut chance before Kenya were handed an opportunity to equalise in the final five minutes of the half.

The visitors were awarded a penalty after Thabang Matuludi was judged to have handled the ball. Olunga took responsibility and sent Williams the wrong way with a composed finish to make it 1-1.

Mosimane retained faith in Okon and Makhanya at the heart of the South African defence, leaving Chicago Fire player Mbekezile Mbokazi among the substitutes. Iqraam Rayners was preferred to the returning Lyle Foster as the hosts’ central attacking option.

South Africa line-up

Ronwen Williams started in goal, with Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya and Sithole in the defensive line.

The midfield featured Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba and Moremi, while Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis supported Iqraam Rayners in attack.

South Africa’s substitutes were Sipho Chaine, Brandon Goss, Aubaas, Thapelo Mailula, Singh, Lyle Foster, Mbekezile Mbokazi, Dithejane, Kabini, Matthews, Mbatha and Morena.