Bafana Bafana Held By Harambee Stars
Pitso Mosimane suffered his first setback in his second spell as South Africa head coach on Friday night. After winning his first three matches, his team was held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The match ended in drama after a late mistake from defender Olwethu Makhanya allowed Ryan Ogam to score an equaliser for Kenya. Makhanya plays for Rangers and had previously been in strong form. However, his error robbed South Africa of all three points.
Relebohile Mofokeng was the standout player for South Africa. The Union Saint Gilloise attacking midfielder hit the post, scored a goal in the 77th minute, and controlled the match before coming off for Cassius Mailula in stoppage time.
Impact From MLS Substitutes
South Africa struggled to finish their chances early on. Iqraam Rayners has been playing well for Mamelodi Sundowns, but he has not brought that form to the national side recently. Winger Tshepang Moremi also struggled to be clinical.
Mosimane turned to his American based players in the second half. Puso Dithejane came on for Moremi in the 57th minute. The Chicago Fire FC player created several chances with his crosses after moving from TS Galaxy in January.
Lyle Foster, who is on loan at Houston Dynamo from Burnley, also came off the bench. Foster missed one good opportunity from a Dithejane cross, but he provided the assist for Mofokeng's goal.
Lineup Changes Expected In Nairobi
South Africa travel to Nairobi to play Kenya again on Tuesday. Mosimane may now make several selection changes to his starting lineup.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi remained an unused substitute on Friday night. The Chicago Fire defender was coming back from injury. Former coach Hugo Broos previously questioned his move to the American league, citing jetlag and travel issues similar to Bongokuhle Hlongwane at Minnesota United.
However, defender Ime Okon lacked sharpness after limited playing time for Hannover 96. With Okon off his best and Makhanya making a costly error, Mbokazi could get his chance. Dithejane and Foster are also pushing to start after their positive displays off the bench.
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