Ogam Strikes Late: Kenya Fight Back Twice To Stun Bafana 2-2

##This is what a comeback looks like. Step by step.**

Step 1: South Africa strike early.

Bafana Bafana started brightly at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday. In the 9th minute, pressure from Relebohile Mofokeng forced Kenya defender Amos Wanjala into a clearance that ended up in his own net. 1-0 to South Africa.

The home fans thought it would be a comfortable night.

Step 2: Kenya hit back before half-time.

Kenya settled, kept fighting, and got their reward in the 44th minute. Thabang Matuludi was penalised for handball in the box. Captain Michael Olunga stepped up and converted from 12 yards to make it 1-1.

It was a big goal for Olunga too. It took him to 35 goals for the Harambee Stars, joining William Ouma as Kenya’s joint all-time leading scorer.

Half-time: 1-1.

Step 3: South Africa think they’ve won it.

In the 77th minute, South Africa went ahead again. Lyle Foster latched onto a lofted pass from Mofokeng, cushioned a clever return pass into space, and Mofokeng ran on to volley home beautifully. 2-1.

Mofokeng was later named Man of the Match. With just over 10 minutes left, Bafana looked on course for a third straight win in Group D.

Step 4: The late twist.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

In the final minute of regulation time, substitute Ryan Ogam picked up the ball, held off a couple of defenders, drove a low shot through the legs of Matuludi and beyond Ronwen Williams’ right hand. 2-2.

Silence in Soweto. Wild celebrations from the Kenyan bench.

Ogam had only just come on, but he produced a fine solo goal to salvage a share of the spoils.

So what do both teams take from it?

For South Africa, frustration. Coach Pitso Mosimane’s side dropped their first points of the campaign. They still top Group D with seven points from three matches, just one point ahead of Guinea on six, but they will know they let two points slip at home.

For Kenya, belief. Coach Benni McCarthy’s side are already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts with Tanzania and Uganda, but this was about pride and momentum. They fought back twice, away from home, against a strong Bafana side. They moved up to third on two points.

And now the rematch is set. The teams meet again on Tuesday, 17 November at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

If Friday is anything to go by, don’t leave early.