- Uganda Cranes delivered one of the most memorable performances of CHAN 2024, stunning South Africa’s Bafana Bafana with a dramatic comeback to reach the quarterfinals.
- After trailing 3-1 late in the second half, Uganda struck twice from the penalty spot through Allan Okello and captain Rogers Torach to level the game.
The Uganda Cranes have stunned South Africa’s Bafana Bafana by advancing to the quarterfinals of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a thrilling six goal match at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. Both teams entered the game with high stakes, fully aware of what was needed from the match, especially after Algeria’s earlier scoreless draw against Niger.
The Cranes struck first, taking the lead in the 31st minute thanks to a fantastic interplay between Reagan Mpande and Jonah Kakande, which set up Jude Ssemugabi to score from close range. Morley Byekwaso’s team went into halftime with a narrow advantage.
However, South Africa equalized in the 51st minute through Mphahlele, following a foul by Vipers defender Hilary Mukundane. A brief VAR review confirmed the goal. South Africa continued their momentum and pulled ahead in the 58th minute with a goal from Kutulema, while Ndlondlo added a third in the 83rd minute.
The South Africans felt confident as they controlled the game, believing they were on their way to the quarterfinals, but the Cranes had a surprise in store.
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A foul on Ivan Ahimbisibwe led to Allan Okello converting from the penalty spot, marking his third goal of the tournament. The stadium erupted with cheers as fans rallied behind the team. A shot from Gavin Kizito struck a South African defender’s arm, prompting calls for another penalty from the Cranes.
Referee Vincent Kabore from Burkina Faso was called to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and the decision was made for a penalty, marking the second for Uganda that evening. With Allan Okello already substituted, captain Rogers Torach stepped up under the immense pressure of a nation, striking a powerful shot past the South African goalkeeper to equalize the game.
The referee finally blew the whistle for full time, igniting a wave of emotions among Uganda Cranes players and supporters. The presence of the First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet Kataha Museveni, added to the night’s excitement.
After completing the four matches of the group stage, Uganda topped Group C with 7 points, followed by Algeria with 6 points. South Africa, Niger, and Guinea have all been eliminated from the tournament. With fellow hosts Tanzania and Kenya having already progressed to the knockout stages, the Cranes’ performance was a commendable response.
