Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has reflected on South Africa’s frustrating 2–2 draw against Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena, emphasising that football is ultimately decided by the ability to convert goalscoring opportunities rather than dominate possession.
Mosimane’s post-match reflections came amid questions surrounding his team selection, particularly the omission of central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, with the coach reacting angrily to suggestions that the decision had been a mistake.
However, his assessment of the encounter centred on Bafana’s failure to capitalise on their opportunities and Kenya’s ability to make the most of theirs.
Reflecting on the match, Mosimane acknowledged that there were several lessons to take from the encounter, particularly regarding the importance of clinical finishing.
“I guess there’s so much to tell out of this game, right? So many situations that came out of this game,” Mosimane said.
“But football tells you that it’s not about ball possession and it’s not about how many chances you create. It’s about how many chances you take, right?”
His remarks highlighted the difference between creating opportunities and converting them, a distinction that ultimately proved decisive in preventing his side from securing maximum points.
The former Al Ahly mentor credited Kenya for demonstrating the efficiency required to compete at international level, acknowledging that the visitors needed relatively few opportunities to trouble his side.
“And Kenya showed that. They don’t need much to cause an upset on us. And a few chances they got, they used them, right?” he said.
While South Africa created opportunities, Kenya’s ability to capitalise on their chances exposed the hosts’ shortcomings in front of goal.
Mosimane also reflected on his return to the South African football environment, suggesting that the missed opportunities reminded him of a familiar challenge.
“Yeah, I got reminded that I haven’t been around for some time. Welcome home. That in South Africa we can also miss a lot, right? And not take the chances.”
The observation captured his frustration with a performance in which attacking opportunities were not converted into the goals needed to secure victory.
Despite the disappointment, Mosimane’s reflections suggested that the result offered an important lesson about the demands of international football.
The 2–2 draw leaves Bafana with questions to answer about their efficiency in front of goal, while the debate surrounding Mbokazi’s omission adds another dimension to the assessment of the team’s performance.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
