Harambee Stars snatch late draw in South Africa

Substitute Ryan Ogam struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a point for Kenya while captain Michael Olunga etched his name into Kenyan football folklore by netting his 35th international goal to tie the late William Ouma as the nation's joint all-time leading scorer.

Bafana took an early lead in the ninth minute courtesy of an Amos Wanjala own goal to Harambee Stars on the back foot. However, Kenya absorbed the pressure and drew level on the stroke of half-time when Olunga calmly converted from the penalty spot. 

The goal saw the skipper officially match a record set by the legendary Ouma in the 1970s, moving him one goal clear of former international Dennis Oliech (34).

The hosts regained control in the second half with Relebohile Mofokeng restoring Bafana Bafana's advantage in the 77th minute. 

Kenya pushed forward in search of a second comeback and their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Ogam, introduced just nine minutes earlier in place of Job Ochieng, found the back of the net to silence the home crowd and secure a hard-earned point.

The two sides collide again in the return leg next Tuesday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where head coach Benni McCarthy will be hunting for his first victory of the qualifying campaign following two draws and a defeat in his opening three matches.

While Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 continental showpiece as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the spirited away performance serves as a major confidence boost in their ongoing competitive preparations.