What Benni McCarthy changed to help Kenya frustrate South Africa

Benni McCarthy was pleased with Kenya's response after they twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against South Africa in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena.

McCarthy explains tactical adjustment

Kenya initially struggled to contain South Africa's attacking threat, but McCarthy said a change in formation helped his team gain control and create more space.

The Harambee Stars switched to a back three, with their wing-backs tasked with dealing with Bafana's advancing full-backs.

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“I thought we played a good game of football, a little too basketball like for my liking,” McCarthy said after the match.

“I would like to have had more control of the game, especially when we went 1-1. At half-time I thought we were in the game good, we controlled most of the situations.”

He added that South Africa's full-backs had caused problems before the tactical adjustment.

“We changed into a back-three and then the wing-backs occupied the full-backs, which I think they didn’t know what hit them and then we started having a bit of space and more possession and we were able to do what we did.”

Benni believes draw was deserved

South Africa took the lead through an early own goal by Amos Wanjala before Michael Olunga equalised from the penalty spot.

Relebohile Mofokeng put Bafana ahead again in the 76th minute, but Ryan Ogam struck in the 89th minute after holding off three defenders to rescue a point for Kenya.

McCarthy felt both sides had enough opportunities to win the encounter and that neither would have been fortunate to take all three points.

“In the end I think it was a deserved draw for both teams. Whoever had won this game, I don’t think people would’ve been angry or said 2-1 was lucky, cause I think over the 90 minutes both teams had their moments.”

Kenya will have another opportunity to face South Africa on Tuesday, November 17, when the two sides meet again in the return fixture.

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