South Africa's Bafana Bafana football team has suffered a setback in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification programme after being held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in Soweto. The match, which took place on Friday night, saw South Africa dominate possession but struggle to find the target. Despite taking the lead, Bafana Bafana were unable to hold off Kenya's equalising efforts, resulting in a draw that puts pressure on the team.
The match began with Kenya creating the first notable chance, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams quickly parried the ball for a corner kick. Bafana Bafana then launched a series of quick attacks, including a golden opportunity in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi blasted the ball into the air from a good position. The team eventually took the lead after eight minutes when Kenya's goalkeeper, Shikhalo Faruk, was put under pressure by South African attackers and ended up scoring an own goal.
Despite dominating possession, Bafana Bafana were unable to maintain their lead, with Kenya equalising after 41 minutes through a penalty kick scored by Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga. The match went to the break with the score tied at 1-1. Bafana Bafana returned with purpose in the second half, but were unable to find the target, with several close-range shots either hitting the upright or being saved by Faruk.
South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane made two changes to the team that beat Eritrea in their last qualifier, with Thabang Matuludi and Tshepang Moremi replacing the injured duo of Kamogelo Sebelebele and Thapelo Maseko. Mosimane also made a tactical change, playing three defenders at the back with Olwethu Makhanya on the left side, Ime Okon in the centre, and Matuludi on the right.
Kenya, who have already qualified for the African showpiece they are co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania, have two points from their troubles and will provide breathing space for coach Benni McCarthy, who has been under pressure after a recent run of mixed results. Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, have seven points from three matches and are under pressure from second-placed Guinea, who beat Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday.
The draw puts Bafana Bafana in a must-win situation for the return leg in Nairobi on Tuesday, as they may be removed at the top of the group if they drop points in the next game. South Africa's second-half performance was marked by several close-range shots, including a curling shot from Mofokeng that hit the upright with Faruk beaten.
The match ended with Kenya equalising through Ryan Ogam, securing a 2-2 draw that has significant implications for Bafana Bafana's Afcon qualification programme. The team's coach, Pitso Mosimane, will need to regroup and strategize for the return leg in Nairobi, where a win is crucial to maintaining their position at the top of the group.
Key points
- Bafana Bafana's draw against Kenya puts them under pressure in their 2027 Afcon qualification programme.
