South Africa and Namibia endured contrasting fortunes in their latest round of international fixtures, with three Orlando Pirates players featuring for their respective national teams.

Bafana Bafana had Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis in their starting lineup for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday night. The encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, keeping South Africa unbeaten in Group D and taking their tally to seven points from three matches.

Both Buccaneers had opportunities to put Bafana ahead, but the hosts eventually broke the deadlock through a stroke of luck when former Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng forced an own goal. Kenya however restored parity from the penalty spot shortly before the break after Thabang Matuludi was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.

After a lengthy search for a winner, South Africa appeared to have finally found their breakthrough with less than 20 minutes remaining. It was a goal made Esgodini, with Appollis initiating a move that allowed Bucs Academy product Lyle Foster the space to tee up Mofokeng for his third international goal. Kenya, however, had the final say as they hit back to snatch an equaliser in the dying moments to deny Bafana all three points.

It was a disappointing outcome for the hosts, who could have gone five points clear in Group D, but dropped two valuable points despite remaining at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s journey towards the continental showpiece suffered another setback after they went down 2-0 away to Cameroon on Wednesday night. Pirates stalwart Deon Hotto featured in midfield for the Brave Warriors, who now face an increasingly difficult task in their qualification campaign.

They are now third in Group G, four-points short of the leaders with only one team in the group guaranteed progress to the finals. Cameroon and Comoros stand between Namibia and a place in the AFCON finals, and qualifying will require a stellar effort with only three fixtures remaining.

There could still be further representation for the Buccaneers during the remainder of the international break. Bafana are set to travel to Nairobi for the return encounter against Kenya, while the Brave Warriors will host the Indomitable Lions on Monday in their bid to revive their qualification hopes.

Closer to home, Mpho Padime, Simphiwe Selepe, Camren Dansin and Neo Rapoo have been called up to the South African Under-23 squad alongside Bucs Reserves goalkeeper Ratisano Kgoaleng for their Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar. The first encounter takes place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, offering the five Pirates representatives another opportunity to represent their country on the international stage.