Bafana Bafana’s wastefulness leaves Pitso Mosimane facing Nairobi test

Pitso Mosimane’s frustration was clear as he kicked bottles in the technical area after Kenya scored a late equaliser against Bafana Bafana, but the result also reflected his team’s failure to finish the game.

Bafana were the better side for much of the match and dominated possession, yet they could only extend their lead at the top of Group D by one point after being held to a draw. They will now need to win the return leg in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Mosimane initially cut a calm figure on the touchline, standing with his arms folded as though confident his players would complete the task. An early own goal by Amos Wanjala appeared to put Bafana on course for victory, with Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi showing little concern against the physically imposing Harambee Stars.

But Bafana’s control did not translate into enough quality in the final third. Kenya goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo produced an impressive performance, although the visitors also failed to make the most of several opportunities.

Their lack of cutting edge allowed Kenya back into the contest. A set-piece situation led to Thabang Matuludi conceding a handball and a penalty late in the second half, with Michael Olunga sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way from the spot.

Kenya returned with greater intensity and matched Bafana more effectively after the interval. Although Mosimane’s side retained much of the ball, they struggled to impose themselves or manage the match.

Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane were introduced to help change the momentum, but Foster found himself closely monitored by Kenya’s defenders and was rarely able to receive possession. Once Kenya relaxed their attention, however, the Houston Dynamo striker made an immediate impact.

Foster controlled the ball superbly inside the penalty area before setting up Relebohile Mofokeng, who finished well to restore Bafana’s lead.

Even then, Bafana’s earlier wastefulness continued to affect them. Their inability to convert chances gave Kenya encouragement, while a series of errors began to undermine their control of the game.

Olwethu Makhanya was punished for failing to clear quickly when Ryan Ogam stole possession and drove a low shot beyond Williams for the equaliser.

The defensive mistake prompted questions over why Mbekezeli Mbokazi had not started. Mbokazi has established himself over time but was returning to the squad after a lengthy absence.

Mosimane reacted angrily when asked about the decision at the post-match press conference. He said he had chosen to protect the centre-backs who had performed well in the previous international window rather than immediately bring Mbokazi back into the team.

The manager was unhappy with Bafana’s failure to control the closing stages. A defeat in Nairobi would not put their campaign in jeopardy, but another setback would intensify questions about Mosimane’s position and could leave him fighting to remain in charge of Bafana Bafana.