In a nail-biting finish, Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, secured a 3-3 draw against South Africa, advancing to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time in their history.
The match, held at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, was a testament to the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
Uganda took an early lead with Jude Ssemugabi scoring in the 31st minute, finishing off Patrick Kakande’s swift counter-attack.
However, South Africa staged a dramatic turnaround in the second half, with Ramahlwe Mphahlele leveling the score in the 52nd minute and Thabiso Kutumela edging Bafana Bafana in front six minutes later.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s stunning long-range strike in the 83rd minute made it 3-1, leaving Uganda on the brink of elimination.
But the Cranes refused to bow out. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty in the 86th minute, which Allan Okello converted to cut the deficit to 3-2.
In a thrilling finale, Rogers Torach scored a penalty in the 96th minute, sealing a famous draw and sending the stadium into wild celebrations.
The result saw Uganda top Group C with seven points, one ahead of Algeria.
South Africa finished with six points but was eliminated on goal difference.
Guinea and Niger exited the tournament with four and two points, respectively. This marks a significant milestone for Uganda, breaking the cycle of early exits that haunted past campaigns.
With this achievement, Uganda advances to the quarterfinals, joining other top teams.
The quarterfinal fixtures are set to be exciting, with Kenya facing Madagascar and Tanzania taking on Morocco.
Uganda’s next match will determine their opponent in the quarterfinals.
