Uganda booked a historic quarter-final place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a dramatic 3-3 draw with South Africa in front of 34,194 fans at the Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, on Monday night.
The result, combined with Algeria’s goalless draw against Niger in the other Group C fixture, saw the Cranes advance as group winners for the first time in their CHAN history, while South Africa’s campaign ended in heartbreak.
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Needing only a draw to progress, Uganda took control in the 31st minute when Jude Ssemugabi finished off a swift counter-attack from Patrick Kakande’s assist. The Cranes carried their advantage into halftime, seemingly on course for a comfortable win.
The Bafana Bafana roared back after the break. Ramahlwe Mphahlele levelled in the 52nd minute following a VAR check, before Thabiso Kutumela struck six minutes later to put them ahead. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s thunderous long-range goal in the 83rd minute made it 3-1, leaving Uganda’s hopes hanging by a thread.
Uganda refused to surrender. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty three minutes later, which Allan Okello converted to cut the deficit. Deep into stoppage time, the Cranes were awarded another penalty after a handball by Menzi Masuku. Rogers Torach held his nerve in the 96th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations as Uganda snatched the crucial draw.
Uganda finished top of Group C with seven points, edging Algeria (six points) on goal difference. South Africa also ended on six points but were eliminated, while Guinea (four points) and Niger (two points) bowed out.
This marks the first time in seven attempts that Uganda has qualified for the knockout stage of CHAN.
Uganda now head into the quarter-finals buoyed by their resilience and home support, with Okello’s attacking form and their defensive grit key to extending their fairytale run. Algeria progress as runners-up.
For South Africa, it was a bitter ending. Despite showing spirit and staging a thrilling comeback, their inability to hold on in stoppage time proved costly.
