Ogam's late equaliser earns Kenya draw and ends South Africa's perfect start

Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute to earn Kenya a 2-2 draw away to South Africa on Friday, ending the hosts' winning start to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. BBC Sport Africa reported that Benni McCarthy's side twice came from behind in Johannesburg, leaving Bafana Bafana one point ahead of Guinea at the top of Group D.

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An own goal by Amos Wanjala gave South Africa the early advantage, but Michael Olunga converted a penalty shortly before half-time to bring Kenya level. The visitors therefore reached the interval on equal terms despite conceding first, before South Africa found a second breakthrough late in the match.

Relebohile Mofokeng put the hosts back in front with 13 minutes remaining. That lead lasted until the final minute of normal time, when Ogam's low effort from 20 yards went just inside the left post. His goal denied South Africa a third successive qualifying victory and secured another point for Kenya.

South Africa had entered the fixture with six points after beating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0, according to beIN SPORTS' account of the opening rounds. Mofokeng scored twice against Eritrea, making Friday's goal his third across those two qualifiers. The draw takes South Africa to seven points from three matches, with their unbeaten record intact but their winning run over.

Kenya's campaign had begun with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea followed by a 1-0 loss to Guinea. Ogam also supplied a late equaliser in that opening draw, scoring in the 87th minute, beIN SPORTS reported. His intervention in Johannesburg means Kenya now have two points from three games, with both points earned through late goals after falling behind.

The teams face different qualification demands because Kenya already have a finals place as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Only the highest-finishing side among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will take Group D's other berth. The return meeting with Kenya is scheduled for November 17 at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium, according to beIN SPORTS, giving South Africa an immediate opportunity to resume their pursuit of that place.