Kenya held South Africa to a 2-2 draw at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute as Kenya twice fought back, while Michael Olunga matched William Ouma’s national scoring record.
A dramatic Harambee Stars draw denied South Africa victory as Ryan Ogam secured a 2-2 finish on Friday night. Kenya twice recovered from behind in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Substitute Ogam scored in the 90th minute after Relebohile Mofokeng had restored the hosts’ advantage in the 77th. Meanwhile, captain Michael Olunga reached 35 international goals with a first-half penalty, matching William Ouma’s Kenyan scoring record.
Olunga’s record goal helps Harambee Stars draw
South Africa took the lead after nine minutes through an own goal by Kenya defender Amos Wanjala. Under pressure from Mofokeng, the Valencia youngster misjudged a back pass towards goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, sending the ball into his own net.
The hosts then threatened through Iqraam Rayners and Tshepang Moremi as Kenya struggled to settle. However, Moremi lifted a promising chance over the bar after Mofokeng set him up.
Kenya gradually recovered and earned a penalty when a headed ball struck Thabang Matuludi’s outstretched hand. Olunga converted past Ronwen Williams to level the score and join Ouma atop Kenya’s all-time scoring list.
South Africa nearly regained the lead before the interval, but Omondi stopped Rayners from close range. The Kenyan goalkeeper also denied the striker in a one-on-one encounter after the restart.
Ogam delivers late breakthrough before Nairobi return
Mofokeng later hit the post, while Lyle Foster headed over as South Africa increased their pressure. Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute through a combination between the two forwards.
After exchanging passes with Foster, Mofokeng met the return ball inside the penalty area and volleyed into the top corner. Kenya coach Benni McCarthy then introduced Ogam and Erick Otieno as the visitors chased another equaliser.
The changes paid off when Olwethu Makhanya hesitated in defence, allowing Ogam to attack the opening. The substitute drove towards goal and fired a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
South Africa had won their opening two Group D matches, while Kenya began with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea. Harambee Stars then lost 1-0 away to Guinea before drawing 0-0 with Rwanda in a friendly.
Kenya already have a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. South Africa, meanwhile, are pursuing the group’s only additional qualification spot.
The teams meet again on Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Kick-off is at 7pm.
