Bafana Bafana were denied maximum points in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after being held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Kenya on Friday evening, bringing their winning run under coach Pitso Mosimane to an end.

South Africa went into the encounter hoping to maintain their positive momentum and strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign. However, Kenya, guided by former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, produced a determined performance to frustrate the South African side.

The result represents an important achievement for McCarthy's Kenyan team, who showed resilience against a South African outfit that had been enjoying a strong run of results under Mosimane.

Bafana Bafana had hoped to secure all three points and continue building confidence as they pursue qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Instead, they had to settle for a share of the points after Kenya demonstrated that they could compete with one of the continent's established football sides.

For Mosimane, the draw will provide an opportunity to assess areas that need improvement, particularly in maintaining defensive concentration and managing games when the team is under pressure.

Meanwhile, McCarthy will be encouraged by his players' determination and ability to earn a valuable result against South Africa.

The encounter also added another chapter to the football rivalry between the two neighbouring African nations, with both sides having ambitions of making an impact at the next continental championship.

Although Bafana Bafana missed the opportunity to collect maximum points, the qualifying campaign remains an important test of their consistency and ability to deliver results against difficult opponents.

The South African technical team will now turn its attention to the next fixture, with the expectation that the players will respond positively and return to winning ways.

SOURCE