Late Kenya equaliser denies South Africa victory in AFCON qualifier

Bafana Bafana were denied a third successive win in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after Kenya scored in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.

South Africa had looked set to claim another three points in Group D, but Ryan Ogam’s late finish rescued a point for the visitors and ended Bafana Bafana’s perfect start to the qualifiers.

Pitso Mosimane’s side remain top of the group with seven points, one ahead of Guinea. Kenya, who will co-host AFCON next year, are third on two points after earning their second draw of the campaign.

The Harambee Stars made the brighter start and nearly took the lead inside the opening few minutes. Adam Wilson connected with a volley, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted well to tip the effort over the crossbar.

South Africa gradually established control and began to threaten at the other end. Iqraam Rayners and Tshepang Moremi both came close to breaking the deadlock before Kenya gifted the hosts the opening goal.

Amos Wanjala attempted a poor back-pass, allowing the ball to run into his own net and putting Bafana Bafana ahead in calamitous fashion.

Kenya responded before half-time after South Africa conceded a penalty. Thabang Matuludi was judged to have handled the ball inside the area, giving Michael Olunga the opportunity to level for the visitors.

Olunga made no mistake from the spot, sending the teams into the interval with the score at 1-1. Former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, now in charge of Kenya, watched his side recover from the own goal and restore parity.

South Africa began the second half with renewed attacking intent and came close to retaking the lead when Bryne Omondi produced an excellent save to deny Rayners.

The hosts continued to press and regained their advantage with 20 minutes remaining. Substitute Lyle Foster combined with Relebohile Mofokeng, who finished the move by striking a volley past the Kenya goalkeeper.

However, Kenya refused to settle for defeat. Ogam showed determination to fight through two challenges before beating Williams and completing the late comeback.

The result leaves Bafana Bafana at the top of Group D, but Kenya’s response ensured South Africa dropped their first points of the qualifying campaign.

The sides will meet again on Tuesday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.