AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ryan Ogam strikes late as Kenya hold South Africa to thrilling draw

Ryan Ogam scored a dramatic late equaliser as Kenya came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against South Africa in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

The Harambee Stars looked set for defeat after Relebohile Mofokeng put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 77th minute, but Ogam punished a defensive mistake in the closing moments to rescue a valuable point for Benni McCarthy’s side.

South Africa had taken the lead through an unfortunate own goal from Amos Wanjala, while Michael Olunga converted a first-half penalty to bring Kenya level.

The result ensured that both teams shared the points after an entertaining contest in which the lead changed hands and Kenya refused to give up despite falling behind late in the game.

South Africa take early advantage through own goal

The hosts got off to a positive start and opened the scoring through an unfortunate incident involving Kenyan defender Wanjala.

The defender attempted to play the ball back to his goalkeeper, Bryne Omondi, but his pass went wrong and ended up in his own net, handing South Africa an early advantage.

Kenya gradually settled into the match and found a way back before the interval.

Their equaliser arrived in the 42nd minute after Tholo Thabang Matuludi handled the ball inside the penalty area. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, giving the visitors an opportunity to restore parity.

Captain Olunga took responsibility and made no mistake from 12 yards. The striker sent a left-footed effort towards the right side of the goal, while South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams dived in the opposite direction.

The goal brought Kenya back into the contest, with the two sides heading into half-time level at 1-1.

Kenya raise their game after the break

Kenya returned for the second half with greater attacking intent and began to put South Africa under pressure.

Olunga and Job Ochieng both looked to create opportunities in the attacking area as the visitors searched for a second goal. However, their attempts failed to find the target, allowing South Africa to remain in the game.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane responded by making two changes in an effort to improve his team’s attacking threat. Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane were introduced, replacing Tshepang Moremi and Iqraam Rayners.

Kenya also made changes, with McCarthy bringing on Micah Obiero for Olunga as both managers looked for a breakthrough.

Despite the substitutions, neither side was initially able to find a decisive moment, with the score remaining 1-1.

South Africa eventually regained the lead in the 77th minute through Mofokeng.

The forward combined effectively with Foster in a neat give-and-go move before finishing with a shot into the right side of the net, leaving Omondi unable to prevent the goal.

The strike put South Africa 2-1 ahead and appeared to place the hosts in a strong position to claim all three points.

Both teams continued to make changes as the match entered its closing stages. South Africa introduced Tashreeq Matthews in place of Oswin Appollis, while Kenya brought on Erick Otieno and Ogam for William Wilson and Ochieng.

Ogam delivers dramatic late equaliser

Just when South Africa appeared to have secured victory, Kenya found a way back into the match.

Ogam capitalised on an error in the Bafana Bafana defence at the stroke of full-time, collecting the opportunity before unleashing a low effort from outside the penalty area.

His shot beat Williams and found the back of the net, sparking celebrations among the Kenyan players as they secured a late 2-2 equaliser.

The goal completed a dramatic finish at Orlando Stadium and denied South Africa victory in front of their supporters.

For Kenya, Ogam’s contribution proved decisive, with the substitute making an immediate impact after being introduced alongside Otieno.

The Harambee Stars had twice found themselves behind during the encounter but showed determination to fight back on both occasions.

Their late response ensured that McCarthy’s team left South Africa with a point, while Bafana Bafana were left frustrated after conceding in the closing moments.

The 2-2 result brought an entertaining contest to an end, with Ogam’s late intervention providing the defining moment of the match.