Ogam's late strike earns Kenya 2-2 draw in South Africa as Olunga equals record

Kenya twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with South Africa at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday 13 November 2026, with substitute Ryan Ogam scoring a 90th-minute equaliser. The result ended the hosts' perfect start in Group D of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

It was also a landmark evening for Michael Olunga. His first-half penalty took him to 35 international goals, which The Standard reported equals William Ouma's record as Kenya's all-time leading scorer.

Behind early, level by the break

The match began badly for the Harambee Stars. South Africa led inside nine minutes through an Amos Wanjala own goal, according to ESPN Africa.

Kenya stayed in the game and were level just before half-time. Olunga converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute.

That goal carried weight beyond the scoreline. As well as matching Ouma's mark, Citizen Digital reported that 35 goals moved Olunga one ahead of former Kenya international Dennis Oliech, who finished on 34.

South Africa went back in front in the 77th minute through Relebohile Mofokeng. With the hosts having won their opening two group matches, a third straight victory looked close.

Ogam's nine-minute impact

Benni McCarthy, facing his native country as Kenya's coach, turned to his bench. Ogam had been on the pitch for nine minutes when he scored, according to KBC.

The finish was a low strike from long range, ESPN Africa reported. KBC credited the assist to defender Frank Odhiambo.

For Kenya, the point is worth more than its face value. Their previous Group D results were a 1-1 draw against Eritrea and a 1-0 defeat away to Guinea, The Standard reported, and they had been held to a goalless draw by Rwanda in a friendly before travelling to Johannesburg.

Taking a draw away to the group leaders, after falling behind twice, is their best result of the campaign so far. They are still without a win in the group, and KBC reported they sit third on two points.

The table matters less to Kenya than to anyone else in the section. The Standard reported that the Harambee Stars are assured of a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. What McCarthy needs from these matches is form and evidence, and a side that scores twice away from home and refuses to be beaten gives him some of both.

What it means for Group D

For South Africa, the dropped points are more costly. The Standard reported that only one other team will advance from the group alongside Kenya, so the hosts are in a straight contest for a single place.

They still lead it. ESPN Africa reported South Africa top Group D with seven points from three matches, but their advantage has been cut to one point.

Guinea are the side closing in. ESPN reported that Guinea beat Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday 12 November 2026 to move to six points from three matches. Had South Africa held their 2-1 lead for a few more minutes, the gap would have been three.

Ogam's strike could prove significant in that race, even though Kenya themselves are not part of it.

The group moves quickly from here. Eritrea host Guinea on Monday 16 November at 16:00 UTC, and a Guinea win would lift them above South Africa before the leaders play again.

Kenya and South Africa then meet for a second time in four days on Tuesday 17 November, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off at 16:00 UTC. Olunga will go into that match needing one goal to hold Kenya's scoring record outright, and McCarthy's side will be looking for their first win of the group in front of a home crowd.