Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained the problem caused by Orlando Pirates duo Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, alongside Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Kenya came from behind twice to force a 2-2 draw with favourites Bafana Bafana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier staged at the Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.

Ryan Ogam of Kenya celberates his goal against Bafana. Image: Imago

Mofokeng was on target while Moremi and Appollis ensured the Harambee Stars backline was on it’s toes.

In his interview with the media, McCarthy mentioned the four stars, underlining how crucial they were for South Africa. He further lauded the goalkeepers for the job they did in a four-goal thriller.

It was a deserved draw

Bafana Bafana players Aubrey Modiba and Relebohile Mofokeng, Image – SAFA

“Ossie [Appollis] and Tshepang [Moremi] were tucking inside and you had Rele [Mofokeng] and Iqraam that were causing us a lot of problems there and then the full-backs were having a free-ride every single time and then we changed it,” Benni told the media.

“When we changed it, we changed into a back-three and then the wing-backs then occupied their 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.

“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 one team was lucky, because I think over the 90 minutes both teams had their moments.

Pitso Mosimane of Bafana Bafana, Image – SAFA

“Both goalkeepers performed, really kept both teams in the game. 1-1, happy, I’m not sure it’s the result Bafana wanted, but in the end of the day it’s a football match and you coach and you just want your team to win, but I wasn’t able to do it to get it over the line, but they’ve got another opportunity to come to Kenya and hopefully get something positive from that game,” McCarthy concluded.