Overview
- The draw on Friday left Bafana Bafana with a 2-2 result at Orlando Amstel Arena after Ryan Ogam scored a stoppage-time equaliser to deny South Africa three points.
- Supporters and pundits criticised Mosimane’s decision to keep recently returned centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi on the bench and questioned the chosen central pairing of Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon after defensive errors led to the late goal.
- Mosimane angrily defended his selection and said the real problem was the team’s failure to convert clear chances, noting that South Africa created opportunities but did not finish them.
- Fans also raised concerns about player recovery after the squad reportedly touched down in Nairobi roughly 12 hours after the home match, which could affect preparation for the return fixture on Tuesday.
- The draw narrows South Africa’s margin at the top of Group D with Guinea one point behind following a 2-1 win over Eritrea, increasing the pressure on Bafana to win the remaining away fixtures to secure AFCON qualification and putting Mosimane’s job under greater scrutiny.