Mosimane demands greater finishing from Bafana Bafana after Kenya draw

Pitso Mosimane criticised Bafana Bafana’s lack of composure in front of goal after Kenya scored a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.

South Africa led twice, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring their second goal, but failed to convert several clear opportunities that could have settled the match. Kenya’s Harambee Stars took advantage of their hosts’ wastefulness to claim a point.

The result ended Mosimane’s winning start to his second spell in charge, after he had guided Bafana Bafana to three successive victories in his opening matches.

Although frustrated by the outcome, Mosimane said he was pleased with the attacking football that had enabled his side to create so many chances.

“Bafana too good and too pretty,” the coach lamented.

“They can be too good sometimes, too pretty. They forgot about scoring goals, but we created the chances. I’m sad, you can hear my voice, but do I want a team that doesn’t create chances and we hope for the best?

“No, I want a team that plays and creates chances, opportunities, so many chances. Because then we can work on taking the chances, unlike working on how do we create the chances.”

Mosimane believes the most demanding part of developing an attacking team is producing the opportunities in the first place. He would prefer to improve his players’ decision-making and composure in front of goal than have to address a failure to create chances.

“I think the biggest is… the most difficult is how do you play, how do you create the chances, right? It’s better to work on… and it’s mental.

“It’s never a technique. It’s mental. When you face one-on-one with the goalkeeper and you don’t take all the chances, it’s very sad.”

The match underlined how fine the margin can be between an encouraging attacking display and a disappointing result. Bafana Bafana had enough openings to take all three points, but their inability to finish the chances left them vulnerable until the final moments.

Kenya’s late goal ensured South Africa’s positive start under Mosimane was halted, despite the team again showing an ability to threaten in attack.

Bafana Bafana must now prepare for the return fixture in Nairobi, where they will have the chance to respond. Mosimane’s priority will be to keep the attacking approach that created opportunities at Orlando Amstel Arena while demanding greater efficiency when those chances arrive.