Kenya’s Harambee Stars produced a spirited performance to hold South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to a dramatic 2-2 draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg on Friday, November 13.

Substitute Ryan Ogam was the hero for Kenya after scoring a crucial 90th-minute equaliser to deny South Africa victory in front of their home supporters.

The result was particularly impressive for head coach Benni McCarthy, whose team twice came from behind against a South African side that had been enjoying a strong start under coach Pitso Mosimane.

Although Relebohile Mofokeng produced one of the evening’s outstanding moments with a brilliant second-half goal, his effort was not enough to secure all three points for Bafana Bafana.

The encounter delivered four goals, an own goal, a penalty and a dramatic finish that kept football supporters entertained until the final whistle.

South Africa Take Early Lead Through Kenya’s Defensive Mistake

South Africa started aggressively and immediately put the Kenyan defence under pressure.

Kenya almost shocked the hosts in the opening minute when Adam Wilson attempted an acrobatic effort that forced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into an important save.

However, the hosts gradually took control and found the breakthrough in the ninth minute through an unfortunate own goal by Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala.

Wanjala attempted to play the ball back to goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, but his pass went beyond the goalkeeper and rolled into the net.

The mistake handed South Africa a 1-0 advantage and put Kenya under pressure early in the contest.

Bafana Bafana continued pushing for another goal, creating opportunities through their attacking players. However, Kenya’s goalkeeper made important saves to prevent the hosts from extending their advantage.

Michael Olunga Scores to Bring Kenya Back Into the Game

Just when South Africa appeared comfortable, Kenya found an opportunity to restore parity.

In the 44th minute, the referee awarded Harambee Stars a penalty after South African defender Thabang Matuludi handled the ball inside the penalty area.

Kenya captain Michael Olunga stepped forward and confidently converted the spot kick.

The experienced striker sent Williams in the wrong direction to make it 1-1, giving the visitors renewed confidence heading into the half-time break.

The equaliser was an important moment for Kenya, particularly because South Africa had enjoyed much of the possession and created several opportunities during the opening half.

Both teams went into the dressing rooms level, leaving everything to play for in the second half.

Relebohile Mofokeng Produces a Moment of Magic

South Africa returned from the break determined to reclaim the lead and continued attacking the Kenyan goal.

Mofokeng emerged as one of the biggest threats for Bafana Bafana, using his pace, movement and technical ability to trouble the visitors’ defence.

The youngster came close to scoring before eventually finding the back of the net in the 77th minute.

The goal followed an impressive attacking combination involving Lyle Foster. Mofokeng finished the move brilliantly to put South Africa 2-1 ahead.

The home supporters celebrated what appeared to be the winning goal, while Kenya faced the difficult task of finding another equaliser with time running out.

South Africa looked increasingly comfortable as the match approached its final minutes.

However, the visitors were not prepared to leave Johannesburg empty-handed.

Ryan Ogam Delivers a Stunning Late Equaliser

Kenya’s breakthrough came through substitute Ryan Ogam, who had entered the match in the 81st minute.

With South Africa seemingly close to securing victory, a defensive mistake by Olwethu Makhanya opened the door for the Kenyan forward.

Ogam capitalised on the opportunity, moved past the defensive challenge and fired a low shot beyond Williams in the 90th minute.

The goal made it 2-2 and silenced the home crowd.

It was a remarkable contribution from the substitute, who needed only a few minutes on the pitch to change the outcome of the contest.

Frank Odhiambo was credited with the assist for Ogam’s equaliser.

The late goal also exposed South Africa’s defensive vulnerability, with the hosts unable to protect their advantage despite controlling much of the match.

According to match statistics, South Africa enjoyed approximately 62 per cent possession and registered 11 shots, compared with Kenya’s 10.

Despite that advantage, Bafana Bafana could not turn their dominance into victory.SuperSport+2

What the 2-2 Result Means for the AFCON Qualifiers

The draw leaves South Africa at the top of Group D with seven points after three matches.

Guinea are second with six points following their 2-1 victory over Eritrea, while Kenya move to third position with two points.

Kenya have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals as one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

However, the remaining qualifying fixtures provide an important opportunity for McCarthy to strengthen his squad and improve the team’s competitiveness ahead of the tournament.

For South Africa, dropping two points at home represents a missed opportunity to create a bigger gap at the top of the group.

The result also ended Bafana Bafana’s winning start under Pitso Mosimane in his second spell as national team coach.SNA+2

Kenya and South Africa Set for Another Meeting in Nairobi

The two national teams will meet again on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Kenya will have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters and will be looking to build on the confidence gained from the Johannesburg result.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be determined to respond after allowing Kenya to snatch a point in the closing moments.

The return fixture is expected to attract considerable attention, particularly because of the rivalry between McCarthy and his former national team.

For Kenyan supporters, the biggest positive from Friday’s match was the team’s refusal to surrender after falling behind twice.

Olunga demonstrated his importance as captain, while Ogam showed why impact substitutions can change the course of a football match.

Mofokeng may have delivered the night’s most spectacular individual goal, but Ogam’s late intervention ensured that Kenya left South Africa with something to celebrate.

The final score: South Africa 2-2 Kenya.

Match Details

South Africa

South Africa

2

Full-time

Yesterday

2

KEN

Kenya

KEN

Kenya

Nov 17

7:00 PM

South Africa

South Africa

SUGGESTED READS

• KDF Announces December 2026 Nationwide Recruitment as Thousands of Kenyans Eye Military Jobs
• Why Do Strangers Sometimes Look Familiar? The Fascinating Science Behind That Feeling
• Africa’s Social Media Obsession: The Countries Spending More of Their Lives Online
• The World’s Most Expensive Trees: Why Agarwood Is Worth More Than Gold
• Lost Your KCSE Certificate? Here’s How to Download It Online in Minutes
• How to Register and Run for President in Kenya
• You’re Probably Spiritually Drained — Here Are the Signs Most People Ignore
• Meet the 10 Wealthiest Banks in the World Dominating Global Finance
• How to Love Yourself More Every Day: The Real, Practical Guide to Building Unshakable Self-Worth