Benni McCarthy’s tactical approach paid dividends as resource-constrained Kenya twice fought back to hold Bafana Bafana to an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday evening.
The former Bafana Bafana striker returned to South African soil as Kenya’s head coach and walked away with a valuable point after his side demonstrated remarkable resilience, defensive discipline and an ability to capitalise on crucial opportunities against a South African team boasting considerable individual quality.
McCarthy’s Harambee Stars refused to be intimidated by the home crowd or the reputation of their opponents. Instead, they remained organised, absorbed sustained pressure and punished defensive mistakes at decisive moments to deny Pitso Mosimane’s charges victory in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter.
For Kenya, the result was a significant morale booster. For Bafana, it was a frustrating evening in which two leads proved insufficient to secure maximum points.
Kenya recover from early setback
South Africa made a positive start to the encounter, taking the lead in the ninth minute through an unfortunate own goal by Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala.
The early breakthrough appeared to put Bafana in control, with the home supporters anticipating a comfortable evening for the national team.
However, McCarthy’s players remained composed and gradually found their rhythm, refusing to allow the early setback to disrupt their game plan.
Their patience paid off in the 44th minute when Kenyan captain Michael Olunga converted a penalty after Thabang Matuludi was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.
Olunga confidently beat Ronwen Williams from the spot to restore parity and send the teams into the half-time break level at 1-1.
The equaliser was an important moment for Kenya, demonstrating the visitors’ ability to remain competitive despite playing away from home.
Mofokeng puts Bafana ahead again
Bafana returned from the interval determined to reclaim the advantage, with Mosimane’s men increasing their attacking pressure in search of a breakthrough.
The hosts enjoyed greater possession and continued testing the Kenyan defence, eventually finding the second goal in the 77th minute.
Talented former Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng finished off a move created by substitute Lyle Foster to put South Africa 2-1 ahead.
The goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters, who believed Bafana had finally done enough to secure victory.
Mofokeng’s contribution once again highlighted the young attacker’s growing importance to the national team.
However, McCarthy’s men were not prepared to leave Soweto empty-handed.
Ogam punishes Bafana’s defensive lapse
Just when Bafana appeared to be heading towards victory, Kenya delivered a late sucker punch.
Ryan Ogam found the back of the net in the 90th minute after capitalising on a defensive error by Olwethu Makhanya.
Ogam cut inside before unleashing a low effort that beat Williams, making it 2-2 and silencing the home crowd.
The late equaliser was a testament to Kenya’s persistence and their refusal to surrender, even after falling behind for the second time.
For Bafana, it was a painful conclusion to an evening in which defensive concentration once again proved costly.
What the result means
The draw leaves Bafana Bafana with seven points from their opening three Group D qualifying matches, following victories over Guinea and Eritrea.
Kenya move to two points from three matches. However, the Harambee Stars are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
South Africa will now turn their attention to the return encounter against Kenya, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November 2026, in Nairobi.
