Late Ogam strike earns Benni McCarthy’s Kenya draw against Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana were denied victory by a late Ryan Ogam equaliser as Benni McCarthy’s Kenya fought back to draw 2-2 at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Pitso Mosimane’s side made the stronger start, pressing the Harambee Stars high up the pitch and forcing them into mistakes when attempting to keep possession in tight areas.

That pressure produced the opening goal after nine minutes. Amos Wanjala inadvertently passed the ball beyond goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo and into his own net, giving Bafana Bafana an early lead.

South Africa continued to threaten through the pace and creativity of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, while Tshepang Moremi came close to extending the advantage on two occasions. Bafana Bafana, however, were unable to make their early superiority count.

Kenya gradually settled into the match and were awarded a penalty shortly before half-time. Thabang Matuludi was penalised for handling the ball inside the area, allowing Michael Olunga to equalise from the spot.

The goal also gave Olunga his 35th for the Harambee Stars, making him the all-time record scorer for the national team. The sides went into the interval level, with McCarthy’s Kenya having recovered from their difficult opening spell.

Mosimane made his first substitutions before the hour mark, sending on Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane for Iqraam Rayners and Moremi.

The changes almost had an immediate effect. During a swift counter-attack, Dithejane delivered the ball for Foster, whose shot went narrowly wide. Shortly afterwards, Mofokeng struck the upright with a curling effort from inside the penalty area.

Bafana Bafana continued to control much of the second half and created the clearer opportunities as they searched for a second goal. Kenya, by contrast, found chances harder to come by.

Mofokeng eventually restored South Africa’s lead with his third senior international goal. Appollis found him in space out wide before Mofokeng carried the ball into the area. He then picked out Foster, who cushioned a cut-back into Mofokeng’s path, allowing the forward to finish powerfully.

That strike appeared set to secure victory for Mosimane’s team, but Kenya produced a late response. Ogam found the equaliser to silence the Orlando Amstel Arena and secure a point for the Harambee Stars.

The result leaves Bafana Bafana on seven points, one ahead of Guinea. Kenya have two points.