Two Goals Not Enough: Pitso Says Bafana Draw Felt Like a Loss

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane admitted that Friday night’s 2-2 draw against Kenya felt like a defeat after his side wasted clear chances at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

South Africa twice took the lead in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier but could not hold on. Kenya’s Ryan Ogam scored a late equaliser in the 89th minute to deny Bafana all three points on home soil.

Mosimane did not hide his frustration afterwards. “Yes, you’re right [it feels like a loss]. But that’s football for you, right? Two goals is not enough. Playing good football is not enough. You need to take the chances. And ball possession doesn’t win games. So that’s the reality,” he said.

Bafana opened the scoring early when Kenya’s Amos Wanjala put the ball into his own net in the eighth minute. Kenya hit back through captain Michael Olunga, who converted a penalty just before half-time. Relebohile Mofokeng, named man of the match, restored the lead in the 77th minute with a well-taken finish. It looked as if the points were safe until Ogam struck late to share the spoils.

The home side controlled much of the game and created a number of good openings, but they failed to convert enough of them. Kenya were more clinical with the few chances they had. Kenya coach Benni McCarthy, who celebrated his 49th birthday this week, felt the draw was fair. He said both teams had their moments and neither side would have been lucky to win.

The result ends Mosimane’s perfect start in his second spell as Bafana coach. He remains unbeaten after four matches, with three wins and one draw. Bafana stay top of Group D on seven points, one ahead of Guinea. Kenya have two points, while Eritrea sit at the bottom with one.

The dropped points make the qualification path a bit tighter. Only one more team from the group will join co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania at the 2027 finals. Bafana now travel to Nairobi for the return match against Kenya on Tuesday. Mosimane said the team must learn from the missed chances and show better concentration to keep their place at the top of the group.

It was a tough night for the home fans, but the coach believes the lesson is clear: good football and possession mean little if the chances are not taken.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2121559061195891102?a=2b37f5I2Or4arqgaUz0&s=19

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