18th Aug,2025
By Anakereti Kiiza
CHAN 2024 | Results
- South Africa 3-3 Uganda
- Algeria 0-0 Niger
Uganda Cranes make history after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship groups for the first time.
Uganda held South Africa in a 3-3 draw in a very controversial game at Mandela National Stadium on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Bafana Bafana held a 3-1 lead until the 88th minute before Uganda pulled back a massive comeback on the day.
Jude Ssemugabi placed Uganda in the lead after 31 minutes to send the crowd on their feet. It was a well-managed counterattack thus giving the co-hosts an edge.
Ramahlwe Mphalele levelled matters for South Africa in the 52nd minute after the Cranes failed to clear the ball from their area.Five minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela placed South Africa in the lead after a quick reaction play that caught Uganda’s backline napping.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo thought he had hit the last nail in Uganda’s casket with seven minutes to full time. The agile midfielder looked the ball into an empty net.
With two games to play, Uganda kick-started their comeback after Ivan Ahimbisibwe was pushed down in the area before Allan Okello converted from the 12-yard mark.
In the added time, the ball bounced off the South Africa defender’s hand and the decision was confirmed after a VAR check.Rogers Torach stepped up with cool nerves and slotted the ball into the back of the net before the crowd erupted in crazy chants
