Benni reveals tactical plan that surprised Bafana

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy has opened up on how his team managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.

Kenya came from 2-1 down to get a share of the spoils in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Amos Wanjala scoring a ninth minute own goal before Thabang Matuludi’s handball handed Harambee Stars a penalty, converted by Michael Olunga after 41 minutes.

Relebohile Mofokeng’s 77^th minute strike seemed to have won it before Ryan Ogam struck the equaliser in the 89^th minute in a game that both sides had chances with the best ones falling to Bafana Bafana, who were thwarted by Kenya goalkeeper Byrne Omondi on numerous occasions.

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

Kenya coach comments on Bafana game

“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.

“In the second half Bafana came out, but I still thought we controlled the game and we managed most of the situations.”

McCarthy admitted the Bafana full-backs gave his team plenty of problems before a switch in formation steadied his ship.

“Obviously we made that error, we gave away the opening goal and I’ve had to change the system, which I don’t think they realised I’ve changed the system. But we got into a beat of trouble with Modiba, the two full-backs on both sides they were causing us problem,” he added as per iDiski Times.

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“Ossie and Tshepang were tucking inside and you had Iqraam and Rele who were causing us a lot of problem and then the full-backs were having a free-ride every single time and then we changed it.

“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,” he stated, revealing the game plan that saw his team nick a point.

“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.

“Both goalkeepers really kept both teams in the game. I think 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’re the coach and you just want your team to win, but I wasn’t able to do it to get it over the line. But on Tuesday we have another opportunity and hopefully we will get something positive.”