Uganda Make History with Quarter-Final Qualification After Six-Goal Thriller Against South Africa

Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, sealed a historic place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Monday night.

In front of an electric crowd of 34,194 fans, Uganda showed resilience and determination to reach the knockout stages of CHAN for the first time in their history. The result, combined with Algeria’s goalless draw against Niger in the other Group C fixture, ensured that the Cranes topped the group with seven points, edging past both Algeria and South Africa.

Uganda Seize Early Control

Uganda entered the clash knowing that just a draw would be enough to confirm their quarter-final spot, and they appeared well on course after Jude Ssemugabi struck in the 31st minute. The forward latched onto Patrick Kakande’s incisive pass and finished clinically on the counter-attack to ignite celebrations in Kampala.

The hosts carried the slender lead into half-time, with their disciplined defensive structure frustrating the South Africans and giving fans belief that the long-awaited knockout qualification was within reach.

South Africa’s Stunning Turnaround

The second half, however, turned the match into a classic. Ramahlwe Mphahlele restored parity for the visitors in the 52nd minute, with VAR confirming his close-range strike. Just six minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela completed the turnaround, curling in a sharp finish from a tight angle to make it 2-1.

South Africa, chasing victory to stay alive, looked unstoppable when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo unleashed a thunderous strike from distance in the 83rd minute, putting Bafana Bafana 3-1 up. For a moment, it seemed Uganda’s dream would be shattered.

The Cranes’ Never-Say-Die Spirit

But Uganda refused to surrender. The comeback began when Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty in the 86th minute, and Allan Okello coolly dispatched it to bring the score to 3-2. The goal reawakened the stadium and pushed the Cranes forward with renewed urgency.

With the fourth official signaling eight minutes of added time, the tension hit fever pitch. Uganda’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 96th minute when South Africa’s Menzi Masuku handled the ball in the box. Rogers Torach held his nerve and slotted the penalty past the goalkeeper, sparking euphoric celebrations as Uganda clinched the vital draw.

Group C Settled

The draw left Uganda top of Group C with seven points, followed by Algeria on six points. South Africa also finished with six but were eliminated on goal difference. Guinea (four points) and Niger (two points) bowed out of the tournament.

For Uganda, who had never progressed beyond the group stages in seven previous CHAN appearances, this marked a landmark achievement and a new chapter in their football history.

Quarter-Final Prospects

The Cranes now advance to the last eight with momentum and belief on their side. Their fighting spirit, coupled with Allan Okello’s creative spark and the team’s defensive resilience, will be crucial as they continue their pursuit of glory on home soil.

For South Africa, it was a bittersweet end — pride in a spirited display but heartbreak at letting victory slip away in stoppage time. Their inability to hold on when it mattered most will linger long after the tournament. 

A Night to Remember

This six-goal thriller in Kampala will go down as one of the defining moments of CHAN PAMOJA 2024 — a night when Uganda’s Cranes, buoyed by their passionate fans, showed the continent their growth, resilience, and unyielding desire to succeed.

For the hosts, the dream is alive, and the journey continues.