Bafana Bafana's perfect start under coach Pitso Mosimane came to an end on Friday night as they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Benni McCarthy's Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

South Africa twice took the lead but were denied all three points by a late equaliser, dropping their first points of the qualifying campaign.

Early lead and Kenya's response

The hosts opened the scoring in the eighth minute through an own goal. Aggressive pressing from Relebohile Mofokeng forced Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala into a clearance that ended up in his own net past goalkeeper Byrne Omondi.

Kenya responded before half-time. Thabang Matuludi was penalised for handball in the box, and captain Michael Olunga stepped up to convert the penalty in the 41st minute, restoring parity. The goal took Olunga level with or past the Kenyan all-time scoring record.

Mofokeng restores the advantage

Bafana continued to create chances after the break. Mosimane introduced Lyle Foster, and the striker combined effectively with Mofokeng. In the 77th minute the former Orlando Pirates midfielder finished a well-worked move, collecting a return pass from Foster and rifling a powerful strike into the top corner to make it 2-1. Mofokeng was named man of the match for his performance.

Late heartbreak in Soweto

Just as the three points looked secured, Kenya struck in the dying moments. Substitute Ryan Ogam capitalised on a defensive lapse by Olwethu Makhanya, cutting inside and firing a low shot past Ronwen Williams in the 90th minute to make it 2-2.

Reaction and group standings

Mosimane expressed disappointment at the result, noting that his side had created enough chances to win the match. McCarthy, who celebrated his 49th birthday the day before the game, said the draw was a fair reflection of the contest, with both teams having their moments.

The result leaves Bafana Bafana top of Group D with seven points from three matches. Guinea sit second on six points. Kenya, already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, have two points.

What lies ahead

The two sides meet again on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, in Nairobi for the return fixture. A positive result there will be vital for South Africa if they are to maintain their position at the top of the group and secure qualification.