McCarthy's Tactical Switch Helps Kenya Hold South Africa to 2-2 Draw

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy revealed that switching to a back three helped his team, Harambee Stars, secure a 2-2 draw against South Africa's Bafana Bafana in their 2027 Afcon qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg. The match saw South Africa take the lead in the ninth minute when Kenya defender Amos Wanjala accidentally kicked the ball into his own net under pressure.

Bafana Bafana continued to dominate, with Tshepang Moremi threatening to double their advantage. However, McCarthy's tactical switch allowed his wing-backs to push up and close down South Africa's full-backs. This change enabled Kenya to equalize before halftime, with captain Michael Olunga converting a penalty after Thabang Matuludi handled the ball inside the area.

McCarthy attributed the success of the tactical switch to the movement of Oswin Appollis and Moremi into central areas, which gave Bafana's full-backs space to advance on both flanks. He stated that the switch to a back three allowed the wing-backs to occupy the full-backs, limiting their opponents' space and gaining more possession.

Despite the equalizer, McCarthy felt his side could have maintained better control of the game, describing their play as "a little too basketball-like." He expressed a desire for more control, especially after equalizing. South Africa's coach, Pitso Mosimane, made substitutions, including bringing on Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane, which nearly led to a third goal for Bafana.

The match ended with Kenya earning a late equalizer through Ryan Ogam, who held off three Bafana defenders to score and secure a point for his team. McCarthy praised both goalkeepers for keeping their sides in the contest and believed the result reflected the chances created by both teams.

South African journalist Lorenz Kohler expressed frustration at witnessing Bafana being held by a McCarthy-coached team, highlighting the impact on their Afcon qualification chances. Some South Africans were disappointed that McCarthy had denied his native country three points, while others acknowledged his professionalism in doing his job to the best of his ability.

The draw means Kenya and South Africa will face each other again in the return fixture under floodlights at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday. Only one team from their group will qualify for the 2027 finals in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with Kenya already guaranteed a spot as hosts.

Key points

• McCarthy's tactical switch to a back three helped Kenya equalize and secure a draw against South Africa.
• The result reflected the chances created by both teams, with McCarthy believing it was a deserved draw.
• The return fixture between Kenya and South Africa will take place on Tuesday at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.