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South Africa, November 13, 2026 - Kenya held South Africa to a 2–2 draw in Johannesburg on Friday after substitute Ryan Ogam scored in the 90th minute of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
The result denied Bafana Bafana a third consecutive win in Group D and gave Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars a valuable point away from home. South Africa had led twice, but Kenya responded each time.
South Africa took the lead in the ninth minute when Kenya defender Amos Wanjala turned the ball into his own net.
Kenya equalised shortly before half-time when captain Michael Olunga converted a penalty in the 44th minute. The goal was his 35th for Kenya, drawing him level with William Ouma as the country’s joint all-time leading scorer.
Relebohile Mofokeng restored South Africa’s lead in the 77th minute with a clinical finish.
But with the match entering its final minute, Ogam collected a long ball after South Africa failed to deal with a set-piece, created space and fired low into the bottom-right corner past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The draw matters most for Kenya’s momentum ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium. Harambee Stars remain bottom of Group D with one point from three matches, but they will qualify automatically for the 2027 tournament as co-hosts.
For South Africa, the result ended Pitso Mosimane’s perfect start since returning as coach. Bafana Bafana remain top of the group with seven points from three matches, but missed the chance to extend their advantage.
Kenya showed resilience against one of the group’s strongest sides, coming from behind twice in a difficult away fixture. The point also gives McCarthy’s side a psychological boost before hosting South Africa in Nairobi.
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Olunga’s landmark goal adds a historic layer to the result. His 35th international goal places him alongside William Ouma at the top of Kenya’s all-time scoring chart.
South Africa entered the match with six points from two games and a perfect record under Mosimane. The draw leaves them on seven points from three matches, while Kenya moved to two points from three games.
Kenya’s late equaliser also prevented South Africa from taking full control of the group before the return leg. The two sides will now meet again in Nairobi on November 17.
Kenya will take confidence from scoring twice away from home and from Ogam’s impact as a substitute. McCarthy introduced Ogam and Eric Marcelo Ouma in the second half, and the changes helped change the match.
South Africa will be frustrated at conceding so late after Mofokeng appeared to have secured the win. Bafana created chances but could not close out the game.
Kenya host South Africa at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, in the reverse fixture.
Kenya will look to build on the draw in front of home supporters, while South Africa will aim to return to winning form and protect their position at the top of Group D.