Bafana Bafana dropped two valuable points in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after conceding a late goal to draw 2-2 against Kenya at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
South Africa looked set to secure victory in front of their home supporters, but Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute to rescue a point for the Harambee Stars in a dramatic Group D encounter.
The result leaves coach Pitso Mosimane with plenty to consider ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Nairobi, where Bafana will be desperate to get their qualification campaign back on track.
South Africa made a promising start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Kenya defender Amos Wanjala inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
However, Kenya fought back and equalised through captain Michael Olunga, who converted a penalty in the 44th minute to send the teams into the half-time break level at 1-1.
Bafana needed a strong second-half response and found the breakthrough in the 77th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng scored to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.
Just when it appeared South Africa had done enough to secure all three points, Ogam struck in the 90th minute to silence the home crowd and earn Kenya a valuable draw.
The late equaliser was a significant setback for Mosimane’s men, who had entered the match looking to maintain their winning start to the qualifying campaign.
What the result means for the Group D log
Bafana Bafana began the match at the top of Group D with six points after victories over Guinea and Eritrea in September.
The draw takes South Africa to seven points from three matches, with two wins and one draw, keeping them in a strong position in the race for the additional AFCON qualification place.
However, the dropped points give their rivals an opportunity to close the gap in the standings.
Kenya, meanwhile, had entered the match with one point from their opening two qualifying fixtures. The draw takes them to two points from three matches.
Although Kenya have automatically qualified for the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, they remain involved in the qualifying campaign.
Importantly, Group D has an additional qualification place for the highest-ranked team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea. Bafana therefore cannot afford further costly slip-ups.
Nairobi showdown awaits
South Africa will travel to Kenya for the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 17.
The match presents Mosimane’s charges with an immediate opportunity to respond after their disappointing home result.
Bafana will need to improve their defensive concentration, particularly in the closing stages, after allowing Kenya to score twice and snatch a draw.
Kenya, coached by former Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, will approach the return leg with renewed confidence after demonstrating their ability to trouble the South Africans.
For Bafana, victory in Nairobi would strengthen their position in the race for AFCON qualification, while another draw or a defeat could increase the pressure in the remaining Group D fixtures.
With the qualification race still open, Tuesday’s encounter could prove crucial to South Africa’s ambitions of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.