Benni frustrates Bafana as Kenya fight back for a draw
Bafana Bafana were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Kenya in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night.
The result denied Pitso Mosimane’s men an opportunity to collect maximum points at home, while Kenya coach Benni McCarthy walked away with a valuable result against his former national team.
South Africa made a bright start and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock. Kenya defender Amos Wanjala put the ball into his own net to hand Bafana an early advantage.
However, the visitors gradually found their feet and were rewarded just before the break.
Kenya captain Michael Olunga converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to bring the Harambee Stars level and send the two teams into the half-time interval at 1-1.
Bafana returned with renewed determination after the restart as they searched for another goal.
Their efforts paid off in the 77th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net to put South Africa ahead for the second time in the match.
With the home supporters hoping to see their team protect the advantage, Kenya refused to give up and managed to find another equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw.
The result will be a disappointment for Mosimane, who was targeting another three points to strengthen Bafana’s position at the top of Group D.
For McCarthy, however, returning to Orlando Stadium as an opposition coach and leaving with a draw will be a memorable occasion.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November, where Bafana will have another opportunity to collect maximum points.
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