Benni McCarthy’s Kenya end Bafana Bafana’s winning start under Pitso Mosimane

Bafana Bafana’s perfect beginning to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in Group D on Friday evening.

South Africa took the lead through an Amos Wanjala own goal after nine minutes, before Michael Olunga levelled from the penalty spot shortly before half-time. Relebohile Mofokeng restored the hosts’ advantage in the 77th minute, but Ryan Ogam struck in the final minute of normal time to earn the Harambee Stars a point.

The result was South Africa’s first draw under incumbent manager Pitso Mosimane, who had overseen a winning start with no defeats. Kenya, managed by their home-grown record goalscorer Benni McCarthy, remain without a victory in the qualifiers.

Kenya threatened first, almost taking the lead inside the opening minute when Job Ochieng attempted a spectacular overhead kick in the penalty area. Ronwen Williams reacted well to keep out the effort.

Bafana Bafana then applied pressure and went ahead in the eighth minute. Mofokeng pressed aggressively, forcing Wanjala into putting the ball past his own goalkeeper, Byrne Omondi.

The visitors recovered their composure and were level five minutes before the interval. Thabang Matuludi was penalised for handball, allowing Olunga to bundle the ball in from the penalty spot.

South Africa nearly regained the lead before the break when Iqraam Rayners met the ball first time at the near post. Omondi showed courage to smother the forward’s attempt after Kenya had failed to clear their lines.

Mosimane made a double change 10 minutes into the second half, introducing Lyle Foster for Rayners and Puso Dithejane for Moremi. Dithejane had scored the winning goal against Egypt at the beginning of October.

Bafana Bafana went close again when a long pass over the defence found Oswin Appollis. He moved towards the near side before cutting the ball back into the area, where Mofokeng curled an effort against the upright.

Mofokeng made amends with 13 minutes remaining. Appollis’ pass was diverted wide to Foster, who sent a reverse ball into the penalty area. The Belgian-based Mofokeng then finished emphatically into the top corner.

Kenya refused to settle for defeat and secured a late equaliser. Ogam cut inside towards the edge of the area before driving a low shot into the bottom corner.

The teams will meet again on Tuesday, when South Africa travel to Nairobi. Bafana Bafana remain top of Group D, while Kenya continue to search for their first win in the qualifying campaign.