South Africa and Kenya battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw in their matchday three fixure of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday.
The opening goal came quickly at Orlando Stadium, thanks to an own goal by defender Amos Wanjala, who unfortunately sent the ball into his own net while trying to pass it to his goalkeeper Bryne Omondi. However, Kenya levelled matters in the 42nd minute after defender Tholo Thabang Matuludi handled the ball inside the area and the match referee pointed to the spot.
Michael Olunga stepped up to score with a left-footed effort to the goalkeeper’s right side of the post—the goalkeeper Ronwen Williams dived the other way. At the start of the second half, Kenya came out with a different mindset and they gave South Africa a run for their money. Olunga and Job Ochieng tried to create some chances in the box, though their shots went wide.
South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane made two substitutions to breathe new life into the team. Lyle Foster and Puso Dithejane entered the game in place of Tshepang Moremi and Iqraam Rayners. Another substitution came in the game. Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy, decided to send Micah Obiero onto the field in place of Olunga. The scores remained tied 1-1, but the coaches wanted to change the outcome.
South Africa scored to make it 2-1 in the 77th minute courtesy of Relebohile Mofokeng. A great give-and-go between the forward and Lyle Foster, culminated in a shot that hit the goalkeeper’s right side of the net. South Africa further made changes with Tashreeq Matthews coming in for Oswin Appollis, while for Kenya, Erick Otieno and Ryan Ogam came in to replace William Wilson and Job Ochieng.
However, at the stroke of full time, Kenya tied the game at 2-2. Ogam took advantage of a mistake by the South African defense and fired a low shot from outside the box, putting it out of the goalkeeper’s reach.
Kenya Starting XI – Kenya; 23. Byrne Omondi (GK); 16. Rooney Onyango, 5. Frank Odhiambo, 4. Sylvester Owino, 3. Abud Omar; 10. William Lenkupae, 14. Michael Olunga, 19. Henry Ochieng; 12. Tyson Wanjala, 11. Adam Wilson, 20. Alwyn Tera.
Subs – Kenya; 1. Faruk Shikhalo, 18. Brian Bwire, 2. Brian Wesonga, 7. Mohammed Bajaber, 8. Chris Erambo, 9. Job Ochieng, 13. Ian Otieno, 15. Ryan Ogam, 17. Amos Nondi Obiero Omondi, 21. Zacchaeus Wilson, 22. Zech Obiero, 24. Vincent Harper.
South Africa; 1. Ronwen Williams; 2. Tholo Thabang Matuludi, 21. Ime Okon, 24. Olwethu Makhanya; 8. Tshepang Moremi, 13. Sphephelo Sithole, 4. Teboho Mokoena, 6. Aubrey Modiba; 7. Oswin Appollis, 10. Relebohile Mofokeng; 12. Iqraam Rayners.
Subs – South Africa; 16. Sipho Chaine, 22. Ricardo Goss, 5. Thalente Mbatha, 9. Lyle Foster, 11. Puso Dithejane, 14. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 15. Bathusi Aubaas, 17. Luther Singh, 18. Samukele Kabini, 19. Cassius Mailula, 23. Thapelo Morena, 25. Tashreeq Matthews.
