Benni McCarthy Breaks Bafana Hearts As Kenya Score Late Equaliser To Deny Pitso Mosimane Victory

Bafana Bafana suffered a frustrating setback after allowing Benni McCarthy's Kenya side to fight back twice and secure a dramatic 2-2 draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The result denied Pitso Mosimane's men an opportunity to collect maximum points at home, while McCarthy celebrated an important result against his former national team in a memorable return to South African football.

South Africa started the encounter with confidence and needed only nine minutes to open the scoring. Kenya defender Amos Wanjala unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, giving Bafana an early advantage and sending the home supporters into celebration.

However, Kenya gradually grew into the contest and refused to allow the early setback to destroy their confidence.

The visitors were rewarded just before half-time when referee awarded them a penalty. Captain Michael Olunga stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot in the 44th minute to make it 1-1.

The equaliser changed the mood of the match, with Bafana heading into the dressing room knowing they needed a stronger second-half performance.

Mofokeng Gives Bafana Hope

Mosimane's players returned with renewed determination and continued searching for another goal.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net to restore South Africa's lead.

The young Orlando Pirates star once again demonstrated his attacking quality, giving Bafana supporters hope that the team would secure another important victory in the qualification campaign.

With the score at 2-1, South Africa appeared to be heading towards three valuable points.

However, McCarthy's players had other plans.

Kenya Deliver A Late Heartbreak

Just when Bafana supporters were expecting the final whistle, Kenya produced a late response.

Ryan Ogam capitalised on a defensive error and scored in the 90th minute to make it 2-2, silencing the home crowd and rescuing a valuable point for the visitors.

The late goal was particularly painful for Mosimane because his team had twice taken the lead but failed to protect their advantage.

For McCarthy, however, the result represented a memorable achievement. The former Bafana striker returned to Orlando as Kenya's head coach and managed to frustrate the country he once represented with distinction.

Despite dropping points, South Africa remain top of Group D after three matches, but their advantage over Guinea has been reduced.

Kenya are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, meaning the remaining qualification place in the group is particularly important for Bafana.

The two teams will meet again in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November, where Mosimane's men will have another opportunity to respond.

Source:

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