Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy was pleased with his team performance after they secured a 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening. The former Bafana striker explained how a tactical change helped his side deal with the problems they initially faced against Pitso Mosimane team.

Kenya scored a late equaliser through Ryan Ogam in the 89th minute to deny South Africa all three points. Ogam showed determination to get past three Bafana defenders before finding the back of the net and silencing the home supporters.

Bafana had taken the lead twice during the match. Amos Wanjala scored an own goal in the ninth minute to give South Africa an early advantage, while Relebohile Mofokeng restored the lead in the 76th minute after a well-worked attacking move involving Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster.

However, McCarthy and his players refused to give up and managed to find a way back into the contest.

Speaking after the match, McCarthy admitted that Kenya struggled during the early stages but praised his players for adapting after he changed the team's formation.

The former Manchester United striker explained that Bafana were causing problems through their wide players and overlapping full-backs. He revealed that Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi were moving inside, creating opportunities for the South African full-backs to push forward.

McCarthy decided to change his team's formation to a back three, using wing-backs to deal with the threat from Bafana full-backs. According to the Kenyan coach, the adjustment allowed his players to find more space and enjoy greater possession.

He also felt that the result was fair considering how both teams performed throughout the 90 minutes.

McCarthy acknowledged that either side could have won the encounter, as both teams created opportunities and both goalkeepers made important contributions.

Although he was pleased with the performance, the Kenyan coach admitted that he would have preferred to take all three points. He also pointed out that his team still had another opportunity to get a positive result in their next match on Tuesday.

The draw leaves Bafana with seven points, while Kenya move to two points.

Source: IDiskiTimes