Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed his disappointment after his team were held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night.
The result came after Bafana wasted several glorious opportunities to score more goals.
Bafana took the lead in the ninth minute following an own goal by Amos Wanjala. However, the hosts failed to extend their advantage, and Kenya were awarded a penalty a minute before half-time, which Michael Olunga converted.
Bafana again failed to take their chances in the second half, with Tshepang Moremi, Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster among those guilty of missing clear opportunities, much to the disappointment of Mosimane and the home supporters.
Man of the Match Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net in the 76th minute to double Bafana’s lead, seemingly securing all three points for the hosts. However, substitute Ryan Ogam broke South African hearts when he equalised for the Harambee Stars in the 90th minute.
“It’s about how many chances you take, right? Playing good football is not enough. Pretty football is not all about that; you need to take your chances. And ball possession doesn’t win games, right?” said Mosimane.
Despite the draw, Bafana remain top of Group D with seven points after three matches, while rivals Guinea are second with six points from the same number of games.
Mosimane remains optimistic that his team will qualify for the tournament.
“But I think we want to qualify the hard way. I think we want it the hard way, right?
“But for me, it’s about staying where we are on the log and finishing where we are on the log, right? So, it’s still in our hands, right? But it’s sad,” remarked the coach.
Bafana travelled to Nairobi after the match ahead of Tuesday’s crucial encounter against the 2027 AFCON co-hosts.
