South Africa need to start Mbokazi in next AFCON qualifier against Kenya

After three wins in the first three games of his second stint as Bafana Bafana head coach, Pitso Mosimane suffered a setback in a 2-2 draw against Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena which laid bare the importance of MLS trio Lyle Foster, Puso Dithejane and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Foster and Dithejane played well off the bench, while unused substitute Mbokazi's claim for a starting berth was strengthened by a late mistake from Olwethu Makhanya which allowed Ryan Ogam to score and an Ime Okon display which was short of his best.

It was somewhat surprising that Mbokazi played no part in the draw, but in fairness, Makhanya and Okon played well over the last international break while he was out injured and MLS players often take time to acclimatise over international breaks due to jetlag.

Mosimane's predecessor, Hugo Broos, had cited this as a potential reason for Bongokuhle Hlongwane's dip in form for South Africa after joining Minnesota United, and infamously criticised Mbokazi for joining Chicago Fire FC.

However, Mosimane is likely to turn to MLS stars to dig Bafana out of a tight position. For one, it was clear in Dithejane's late cameo after replacing Tshepang Moremi in the 57th minute that he is a better player than the one who joined the Fire from TS Galaxy in January.

The winger created several chances with his pinpoint crosses - and in fairness, Lyle Foster (on loan at Houston Dynamo from Burnley) should have put one away.

However, Foster provided the assist for a 77th-minute Relebohile Mofokeng stunner that appeared to have clinched the game until Ogam's late equaliser.

The hard truth is: Bafana Bafana does not have an in-form striker in national team colours. Rayners is playing well for Mamelodi Sundowns, but it has been some time since he replicated that form in front of goal for the national team.

Even when he is not in fine form in front of goal, Foster contributes to the team in other ways - as was evident in his role in the build-up to Mofokeng's stunner.

The Union Saint-Gilloise attacking midfielder is the one Bafana Bafana player who it is difficult to fault at all for Friday night's performance. He hit the post, scored a goal, and was creatively excellent throughout the game until he was substituted off in stoppage time for Cassius Mailula.

Bafana's MLS stars may not be in quite the same rich vein of form as Mofokeng at the moment, but their services are sorely needed.

South Africa will face Kenya again in Nairobi on Tuesday and at least one change is needed at centre-back, with Okon short of recent minutes for Hannover 96 and Makhanya in strong form for Rangers, but now coming off the back of a mistake.

Across the front four, not only Rayners - but also Tshepang Moremi - was not clinical enough on Friday. After scoring against Egypt in an October friendly and contributing off the bench against Kenya, Dithejane deserves a starting berth, while confidence player Foster deserves a chance to rediscover his shooting touch.