Benni McCarthy praises Kenya’s resilience after late draw with Bafana Bafana

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy praised his team’s response after Ryan Ogam’s 89th-minute equaliser secured a draw against Bafana Bafana at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Ogam held off three defenders before finding the net, silencing the home crowd and rescuing the Harambee Stars after South Africa had twice taken the lead.

Amos Wanjala scored an early goal for Bafana, while Relebohile Mofokeng struck in the 76th minute in what appeared to be the winning goal. Kenya, however, fought back in the closing stages to ensure the match ended level.

McCarthy admitted his side initially struggled to deal with South Africa’s shape and attacking threat, but said a tactical switch to a back three helped Kenya regain control and create more space.

“I thought we played a good game of football, a little too basketball-like for my liking,” he said.

“I would like to have had more control of the game, especially when we went 1-1. At half-time I thought we were in the game well; we controlled most of the situations.

“In the second half Bafana came out, but I still thought we controlled the game and managed most of the situations.”

The Kenya coach said his side’s defensive error had allowed South Africa to open the scoring and forced him to alter his system.

“Obviously we made that error, we gave away the opening goal and I had to change the system,” McCarthy said.

“I don’t think they realised I had changed the system, but we got into a bit of trouble with Modiba. The two full-backs on both sides were causing us problems.

“Ossie and Tshepang were tucking inside, while Iqraam and Rele were causing us a lot of problems. The full-backs were having a free ride every single time, and then we changed it.

“We changed into a back three and the wing-backs occupied the full-backs. I think they didn’t know what hit them. We then started finding a bit of space and having more possession, and we were able to do what we did.”

McCarthy felt the result accurately reflected an open contest in which both sides had opportunities to win.

“In the end I think it was a deserved draw for both teams,” he said. “Whoever had won this game, I don’t think people would have been angry or said 2-1 was lucky, because over the 90 minutes both teams had their moments.

“Both goalkeepers really kept both teams in the game. I’m happy. I’m not sure it’s the result Bafana wanted, but at the end of the day it’s a football match and you’re the coach and you just want your team to win.

“I wasn’t able to get it over the line, but on Tuesday we have another opportunity and hopefully we will get something positive.”