Bafana Bafana held by Kenya in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying setback

Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign suffered a setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in Soweto on Friday.

South Africa appeared to be heading for three important points, but Ryan Ogam scored late for the Harambee Stars after getting past Olwethu Makhanya and beating goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The result leaves South Africa with seven points from three matches, although Guinea have closed the gap at the top of the group. Guinea defeated Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday and now have six points.

Bafana Bafana must win the return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday to protect their position. Dropping more points could see them lose top spot in the group.

Kenya have two points from their campaign but have already qualified for the 2027 tournament, which they are co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania. The draw also gives coach Benni McCarthy some relief after a recent sequence of mixed results.

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane made two changes to the side that beat Eritrea in Egypt in their previous qualifier. Thabang Matuludi and Tshepang Moremi came into the team for the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele and Thapelo Maseko.

Mosimane also opted not to start Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who had returned to the squad after recovering from injury. Instead, he retained the central defensive partnership of Ime Okon and Makhanya, who had also started against Guinea and Eritrea.

He changed the team’s shape for the match, using three defenders. Makhanya operated on the left of the defence, Okon played centrally and Matuludi filled the right-sided role.

Mokoena and Sithole were selected as the central midfield holders, with Aubrey Modiba and Moremi providing width. Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Rayners formed the attacking trio.

Kenya created the first significant opening, forcing Williams to react sharply and turn the ball behind for a corner. South Africa responded with quick attacks led by Mofokeng and Rayners.

Moremi missed a good chance in the seventh minute, lifting the ball over the bar after South Africa moved forward quickly through Modiba and Appollis.

The hosts took the lead a minute later when Kenya’s attempt to build from the back was disrupted by South Africa’s high press. Under pressure, goalkeeper Shikhalo Faruk passed to Amos Wanjala, who was immediately closed down and put the ball into his own empty net.

South Africa controlled much of the possession, but Kenya remained dangerous. Their pressure earned a penalty when Matuludi handled inside the area, leaving referee Tanguy Mebiame with no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Kenya captain Michael Olunga converted in the 41st minute, sending Williams the wrong way to level the game before half-time.

South Africa began the second half with greater purpose but struggled to finish their chances. Mosimane made his first substitutions after 56 minutes, bringing on Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane for Rayners and Moremi.

Mofokeng went close two minutes later when his curling effort from close range struck the post with Faruk beaten after Appollis had supplied the ball.

South Africa regained the lead through Mofokeng, who finished from close range after a flowing move involving several Bafana Bafana players. Kenya responded through Ogam, whose late equaliser secured a draw.