Bafana Bafana held by Kenya as Afcon qualification race tightens

South Africa’s route to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in Soweto on Friday night.

Bafana Bafana appeared set to claim three points before Ryan Ogam scored a late equaliser, going past Olwethu Makhanya before beating Ronwen Williams.

South Africa remain top of the group with seven points from three matches, but Guinea have closed the gap to one point after their 2-1 victory over Eritrea on Thursday.

The result leaves Bafana in a must-win position when they face Kenya again in Nairobi on Tuesday. Dropping points in that match could cost them their place at the top of the group.

Kenya have two points from their campaign but have already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The draw will also ease pressure on coach Benni McCarthy following a recent run of mixed results.

Bafana 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 left returning US-based defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi on the bench after his recovery from injury, retaining Ime Okon and Makhanya as his central defensive pairing.

South Africa switched to a three-man defence, with Makhanya on the left, Okon in the centre and Matuludi on the right. Mokoena and Sithole operated as the central midfield holders, while Aubrey Modiba and Moremi played on the wings.

Oswin Appollis, Mofokeng and Rayners formed the front three.

Kenya created the first significant opening, forcing Williams to react quickly and palm the ball behind for a corner. South Africa responded with attacks of their own, led by Mofokeng and Rayners.

Moremi missed a good chance in the seventh minute, sending the ball over the bar after a swift move involving Modiba and Appollis.

South Africa took the lead a minute later when Kenya were caught trying to build from the back. Shikhalo Faruk played the ball to Amos Wanjala, who came under pressure from the Bafana attack and turned it into an empty net.

Kenya continued to threaten despite South Africa controlling much of the possession. Their pressure earned a penalty when Matuludi handled inside the box, and referee Tanguy Mebiame immediately pointed to the spot.

Kenya captain Michael Olunga kept his composure, sending Williams the wrong way to level the match after 41 minutes.

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

Mofokeng then went close to restoring the lead when his curling effort from close range struck the post with Faruk beaten.

Bafana did regain the advantage through Mofokeng, who finished from close range after a flowing move involving several South African players. Kenya responded, however, with Ogam’s late equaliser.