Substitute Ryan Ogam rescued a point for Kenya with a late strike as Harambee Stars held South Africa to a 2-2 draw at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, November 13.
Benni McCarthy’s side looked headed for defeat after Relebohile Mofokeng restored South Africa’s lead in the 77th minute, but Ogam punished a defensive lapse to bring Kenya level in the final minute of normal time.
The result leaves Kenya with two points from three matches in Group D following two draws and one defeat. South Africa remain top on seven points, one ahead of Guinea, who beat Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday.
Kenya had threatened first, with Adam Wilson forcing Ronwen Williams to tip over an acrobatic effort inside the opening minute. However, the hosts quickly took control and repeatedly exposed gaps in the visitors’ defence.
Their pressure produced the opening goal in the ninth minute when Amos Wanjala’s attempted backpass rolled beyond goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and into the net.
Omondi subsequently kept Kenya within reach, making saves as South Africa pushed to extend their advantage. Iqraam Rayners and Tshepang Moremi were among those unable to turn the hosts’ early dominance into a more comfortable lead.
Kenya found a route back into the contest shortly before half-time. Sylvester Owino met Wilson’s free-kick at the back post, with his flick-on striking Thabang Matuludi’s raised arm.
Michael Olunga stepped up to take the resulting penalty in the 44th minute, sending Williams the wrong way to make it 1-1.
South Africa continued to create opportunities after the break. Mofokeng struck the post, while the introductions of Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane gave the hosts fresh attacking impetus.
The breakthrough came with 13 minutes remaining. Mofokeng received the ball from Oswin Appollis, exchanged passes with Foster and finished to put South Africa ahead for a second time.
Kenya, however, had one more response.
With the clock reaching 90 minutes, Olwethu Makhanya allowed a forward ball to bounce, giving Ogam the opportunity to get behind him. The substitute drove a low shot beyond Williams from distance to secure the draw.
For McCarthy, the late equaliser delivered a valuable away point against his home country, although Kenya remain without a win halfway through their group campaign.
The teams meet again in Nairobi on November 17.
