Just when it appeared the home side had done enough to secure all three points, Kenya struck a devastating blow in the 89th minute through Ryan Ogam, silencing the home crowd and snatching a valuable point from the jaws of defeat.

For Mosimane, it was a frustrating evening, particularly considering the number of opportunities his team created. Bafana had enough chances to put the contest beyond Kenya's reach, but their inability to convert in front of goal ultimately proved costly.

Relebohile Mofokeng - SAFA

The Bafana coach admitted that creating opportunities counts for little if they are not turned into goals.

“Football tells you that it is not about ball possession, it is not about how many chances you create, it is about the chances you take,” Mosimane said.

“Kenya showed that they did not need much to cause an upset. The few chances they got, they used them. If you want to see how many chances we missed, it was a series.”

South Africa made a bright start and were rewarded in the eighth minute when Kenya defender Amos Wanjala put the ball into his own net, handing the hosts an early advantage.

However, the visitors refused to lie down and were handed an opportunity to get back into the contest when they won a penalty late in the first half. Kenya captain Michael Olunga kept his composure from the spot, finding the back of the net in the 42nd minute to make it 1-1.

Bafana continued to push for a winner after the break and looked to have found the breakthrough when Relebohile Mofokeng produced a moment of quality in the 77th minute.

The young attacker, who was named Man of the Match, restored South Africa's lead and appeared to have put his team on course for victory.

But there was still one final twist. With the clock ticking towards full-time, Ogam found the equaliser in the 89th minute, leaving Bafana to reflect on two valuable points dropped on home soil.

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy, meanwhile, was pleased with the result, believing a share of the spoils was a fair reflection of an entertaining encounter.

“In the end, I think it was a deserved draw for both teams. Whoever would have won this game, I do not think that people would have been angry or say one team was lucky. Over 90 minutes, both teams had their moments, both goalkeepers performed and kept their teams in the game,” said McCarthy, who celebrated his 49th birthday on Thursday.

Despite the disappointment, Bafana remain in a strong position in their qualifying campaign. South Africa top the group with seven points from three matches, while Guinea occupy second place on six points.

There will be little time for Mosimane and his players to dwell on Friday night's disappointment, with the two teams set to meet again in the return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport