Uganda Cranes booked their first-ever place in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a dramatic 3-3 draw with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Kampala on Monday night.
The result, played in front of 34,194 fans at the Mandela National Stadium, meant Uganda advanced as Group C winners with seven points. Algeria, who drew 0-0 with Niger in the other fixture, finished second. South Africa, despite also collecting six points, were eliminated on goal difference.
Uganda needed only a draw to qualify. They took the lead in the 31st minute when Jude Ssemugabi finished off Patrick Kakande’s breakaway pass.
The Cranes held the advantage at halftime. But the second half turned into a frantic contest.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele equalized for South Africa in the 52nd minute after a VAR check confirmed his strike. Six minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela put Bafana Bafana ahead with a sharp finish from a tight angle.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo appeared to seal it in the 83rd minute with a powerful shot from distance, giving South Africa a 3-1 lead.
Uganda responded immediately. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty three minutes later, and Allan Okello converted to make it 3-2.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time. With eight additional minutes signaled, Uganda pressed forward and won a second penalty for handball. Rogers Torach stepped up in the 96th minute and scored to secure the draw that carried Uganda through.
Head coach Morley Byekwaso said the turnaround reflected the squad’s resilience.
“I recall that at the start of the tournament, we lost our first game. It was a sad moment, but we kept believing. Today, here we are, through to the next stage,” he said.
Byekwaso credited belief and maturity, singling out Torach’s composure under pressure.
For South Africa, the late collapse ended their campaign. Ndlondlo was named man of the match by the Confederation of African Football.
Uganda’s reward is a place in the last eight of CHAN for the first time in history, a breakthrough after seven failed attempts. Algeria also advance as runners-up.
The Cranes’ defensive steel and the creativity of Okello will be central to their hopes of extending the run on home soil.
South Africa exit with pride but also regret, having been minutes away from qualification.
