Benni McCarthy could not hide his delight on Friday night after his Harambee Stars twice fought back to hold Bafana Bafana to a dramatic 2-2 draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena.

South Africa looked set for a third straight win under Pitso Mosimane when they led twice, but Kenya refused to fold. Substitute Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute to silence the home crowd and earn Kenya a deserved point on the road.

Bafana made the perfect start in the ninth minute when Amos Wanjala’s back-pass rolled past his own goalkeeper Bryne Omondi for a calamitous own goal. Kenya struggled to keep possession early as South Africa pressed high, but they grew into the game.

Captain Michael Olunga dragged them level just before half-time, converting from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after Thabang Matuludi handled inside the area. The goal made Olunga Kenya’s joint all-time top scorer with 35 goals.

Relebohile Mofokeng restored Bafana’s lead in the 77th minute with a moment of real quality, exchanging a one-two with Lyle Foster before curling a clinical finish past Omondi. It looked like the winner.

But McCarthy’s late changes paid off. Ogam, introduced off the bench, capitalised on a defensive error from Olwethu Makhanya, fended off three defenders and drilled a low strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

Speaking after the match, McCarthy admitted his side started slowly but praised their character and tactical adjustment.

“I thought we played a good game of football, a little too basketball-like for my liking,” McCarthy said. “I would like to have had more control of the game, especially when we went 1-1.”

He added: “In the end I think it was a deserved draw for both teams. Whoever had won this game, I don’t think people would’ve been angry. Over the 90 minutes both teams had their moments.”

McCarthy said an early switch of system made life much harder for Bafana and allowed Kenya to compete, and he was happy with the fighting spirit his players showed until the final whistle.

The result ends Mosimane’s 100% winning start, though Bafana remain top of Group D on seven points, one ahead of Guinea, who beat Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday. Kenya, already qualified as co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, sit on two points.

Attention now turns to the immediate return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November, where McCarthy believes his side can go one better.

“On Tuesday we have another opportunity and hopefully we will get something positive,” he said.

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