Co-hosts Uganda rallied from a 3-1 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw with South Africa on Monday, booking their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final spot and completing an East African sweep with Kenya and Tanzania also advancing.
At Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, the Cranes, who had never beaten South Africa, took an early lead through Jude Ssemugabi just after the half-hour mark. However, South Africa responded after halftime with two quick goals: Ramahlwe Mphahlele equalised in the 52nd minute, followed by Thabiso Kutumela putting Bafana Bafana ahead.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo seemed to seal South Africa’s victory in the 83rd minute with a 3-1 lead.
Uganda’s dramatic turnaround came in the final minutes. Captain Allen Okello converted a penalty in the 88th minute after Ivan Ahimbisibwe was fouled in the box.
Deep into injury time, VAR spotted a handball, and Rogers Torach blasted home the resulting penalty to level the scores at 3-3, sending Uganda through while South Africa were eliminated.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, 2023 finalists Algeria drew 0-0 with a 10-man Niger but advanced to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament thanks to superior goal difference, finishing second in Group C on six points behind Uganda’s seven.
Uganda’s historic qualification ensures that all three CHAN co-hosts, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, have progressed to the last eight, highlighting East Africa’s growing prominence in the tournament.
Written By Rodney Mbua
