Uganda survive six-goal thriller against Bafana Bafana to reach CHAN 2024 quarters
Uganda clinched a historic place in the quarter-finals of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa in front of 34,194 fans at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Monday night.
Needing just a draw to seal their place in the last eight, Uganda looked set to cruise when Jude Ssemugabi put them ahead in the 31st minute, firing home from Patrick Kakande’s assist on the counter-attack.
The Cranes carried their lead into half-time and appeared in control, but what followed after the break was a breathless contest that swung back and forth until the final whistle.
The Bafana Bafana emerged transformed in the second half. Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s close-range strike, awarded after a VAR check in the 52nd minute, dragged them level before Thabiso Kutumela’s sharp finish from a tight angle made it 2-1 just six minutes later.
The visitors’ momentum continued when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo unleashed a stunning effort from outside the box to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute.
For a brief moment, South Africa looked destined to stage one of the tournament’s great turnarounds.
But the hosts refused to fold. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty three minutes later, and Allan Okello calmly converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, reigniting belief inside the stadium.
The drama reached fever pitch deep into stoppage time. With the fourth official signalling eight additional minutes, Uganda poured forward and forced another penalty after a handball by Menzi Masuku.
Rogers Torach stepped up in the 96th minute, slotting home to spark wild celebrations as Uganda secured the draw they needed.
For the Cranes, who had never reached the CHAN knockouts in seven previous attempts, this represents a landmark achievement.
Earlier Algeria booked their spot in the quarter-finals after a tense 0-0 draw with Niger in Nairobi, a result that proved just enough to see them through alongside Uganda from Group C on Monday night.-CAF
