- The South Africa vs Uganda match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
- The Uganda Cranes fought back from a 3-1 deficit, capitalizing on two late penalties to salvage a crucial point.
- Allan Okello and Rogers Torach kept their composure from the spot, cancelling out earlier goals from Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thabiso Kutumela, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
A thrilling four-minute resurgence saved Uganda Cranes as they converted two late penalties to snatch a 3-3 draw against South Africa, securing their maiden Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal berth on Monday night.
In a packed Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Uganda clawed back from a 3-1 deficit, capitalizing on two penalties awarded in the dying moments.
Allan Okello and Rogers Torach held their nerve from the spot, canceling out Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thabiso Kutumela, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s earlier strikes.
The result propelled Uganda to the top of Group C with seven points, booking their place in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.
This outcome means that all three East African hosts: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have all advanced to the quarterfinals, an impressive achievement for the region.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana crashed out after failing to accumulate enough points, while Algeria claimed second place to join Uganda in the next round.
Uganda early chances and first half lead
The match remained goalless for the first ten minutes as both teams tested each other cautiously. Uganda’s first clear opportunity came in the 14th minute when Allan Okello broke down the right wing and set up Abdul Karim Watambala inside the box.
Watambala’s shot was, however, expertly parried away by South African goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
South Africa responded minutes later with Terrence Mashego and Thabiso Kutumela trying their luck, but Uganda’s defense stood firm.
On the half-hour mark, Uganda capitalized on a quick counterattack.
Reagan Mpande surged down the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Patrick Kakande, who fed Jude Ssemugabi for the opening goal.
It was a slick team move that gave Uganda a 1-0 lead at halftime, while South Africa’s defensive lapses would haunt them later.
South Africa make a comeback in the second half
The second half saw a revitalized South African side under coach Molefi Ntseki.
Within seven minutes of the restart, Ramahlwe Mphahlele headed in the equalizer from a well-placed Kwanda Mngonyama free kick.
Momentum shifted to the visitors, and just six minutes later after the goal, Thabiso Kutumela, who had been threatening all night, found the back of the net with a clinical finish after a quick throw-in from Neo Maema caught the Ugandan defense off guard to give South Afrivca the lead.
Keagan Dolly missed a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute to extend South Africa’s lead, but Joel Mutakubwa and his defense applied just enough pressure to deny him.
South Africa looked to have sealed the win with eight minutes remaining when Ndlondlo capitalized on an open goal.
Mutakubwa had come off his line to challenge, but Ndlondlo’s long-range strike found the net, leaving Uganda trailing 3-1.
Uganda’s last-gasp heroics book spot in CHAN 2024 quarterfinals
With the clock ticking down, Uganda was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Allan Okello stepped up and coolly converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Just two minutes from the end of regular time, drama struck again. A handball in the South African area resulted in a second penalty.
This time, Rogers Torach converted confidently, levelling the score at 3-3 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Eight nerve-wracking minutes of stoppage time followed, with Uganda desperate to hold on and South Africa pushing for a winner.
However, the match ended in a stalemate, confirming Uganda’s place at the summit of Group C and their progression to the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.
South Africa vs Uganda Lineups
Bafana Bafana XI
Samukelo Xulu, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kegan Johannes, Kwanda Mngonyama, Wayde Jooste, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Malibongwe Prince Khoza, Terrence Mashego, Neo Maema, Keagan Dolly, Thabiso Kutumela
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Joel Mutakubwa, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, Enock Ssebagala, Abdul Karim Watambala, Allan Okello, Patrick Kakande, Reagan Mpande, Jude Ssemugabi