Ogam’s Last-Gasp Thriller Breaks South African Hearts as Kenya Snatch Draw

With time running out and South Africa seemingly closing in on victory, McCarthy turned to his bench, and Ogam proved to be the difference-maker.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars produced a spirited display, twice coming from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against hosts South Africa in a thrilling 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday night.

In a contest that swung between South African dominance and Kenyan defiance, the Harambee Stars refused to surrender, with substitute Ryan Ogam delivering the ultimate late twist with a thunderous 90th-minute strike to silence the home crowd and rescue a precious point for Benni McCarthy’s men.

The result marked Kenya’s second draw in three qualifying matches, taking their tally to two points following an earlier 1-1 stalemate against Eritrea in Nairobi and a defeat to Guinea.

For McCarthy, the encounter carried a special emotional significance. The Kenyan head coach made a nostalgic return to his homeland, facing Bafana Bafana for the first time since taking charge of the Harambee Stars, against a side he once represented as a player.

South Africa struck first in the ninth minute through an unfortunate own goal by Kenyan defender Amos Wanjala, putting the hosts in front and handing the home supporters an early reason to celebrate.

However, Kenya gradually worked their way back into the contest, and their persistence paid off just before the break. Captain Michael Olunga stepped up to convert a 44th-minute penalty, restoring parity and registering his 35th international goal for Harambee Stars.

The equaliser gave Kenya renewed belief heading into the second half, but Bafana Bafana regained the advantage in the 77th minute through Relebohile Mofokeng, who appeared to have put the hosts on course for all three points.

With time running out and South Africa seemingly closing in on victory, McCarthy turned to his bench, and Ogam proved to be the difference-maker.

The forward produced a spectacular long-range effort in the 90th minute, sending the ball beyond the South African goalkeeper to spark celebrations among the travelling Kenyan contingent and deny Bafana Bafana a home victory.

South Africa remain top of Group D with seven points from three matches, having registered two victories and a draw, while Kenya move to two points and remain at the bottom of the group.

The two sides will renew their rivalry on Tuesday in Nairobi, where Harambee Stars will be seeking to build on Friday night’s spirited performance, while Bafana Bafana travel to Kenya hoping to reclaim the points they surrendered on home soil.