Uganda’s Cranes staged one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to book their place in the quarter-finals after a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Africa at Namboole Stadium. The result saw Uganda finish top of their group with seven points, while Algeria advanced alongside them in second place after holding Niger to a goalless draw.
It was a night full of twists, emotions, and unforgettable drama. Uganda looked on the brink of elimination when they trailed 3-1 late in the second half, but a stirring fightback capped by captain Rodgers Ochaki’s last-gasp penalty sent the home crowd into wild celebration.
A Flying Start for Uganda
From the first whistle, Uganda played with intensity, driven by the electric atmosphere in Namboole. The lively duo of Reagan Mpande and Allan Okello immediately put pressure on South Africa’s backline, linking up with crisp passes and dangerous runs.
Chances soon followed. Abbdi Karim Watambala forced the South African goalkeeper into action with a curling effort, while Jude Ssemugabi had a clear sight of goal but fired narrowly wide. Uganda’s persistence finally paid off in the 32nd minute. Patrick Kakande split the defence with a brilliant through-ball, and Ssemugabi made no mistake, tapping in to give the Cranes a deserved 1-0 lead.
South Africa’s Fightback
Conceding early seemed to spark Bafana Bafana into life. Captain Neo Maema began dictating play in midfield, while Keagan Dolly tested Joel Mutakubwa with a fierce long-range strike. Uganda’s defence held on until the break, but the pressure mounted.
Ten minutes after the restart, South Africa found their equaliser. Ramahlwe Mphahlele reacted quickest inside the box, firing past Mutakubwa to silence the home crowd. The momentum had shifted.
Thabiso Kutulema then turned the game around with a powerful low drive from the edge of the area, making it 2-1. Uganda suddenly looked rattled, and the visitors capitalised further. A swift counterattack saw Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo apply the finishing touch to extend the lead to 3-1. At that point, South Africa appeared to have crushed Uganda’s quarter-final hopes.
Uganda’s Spirited Response
With time running out, the Cranes needed a miracle—and they produced one. Coach Jackson Mayanja turned to his bench, and the substitutes brought fresh energy. Ivan’s surging run into the box forced a foul, handing Uganda a lifeline. Up stepped Allan Okello, who kept his composure to convert the penalty, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
When all hope seemed lost, Allan Okello stepped up halved the deficit.#CHAN2024 | #HomeOfUgandanSport pic.twitter.com/3iBEckHJy5
— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) August 18, 2025
The goal reignited belief among the home fans, whose chants grew louder with every passing minute. South Africa tried to slow the game down, but Uganda pressed forward relentlessly.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time. VAR intervened after a South African defender was judged to have handled the ball inside the box. The stadium erupted in anticipation as captain Rodgers Ochaki placed the ball on the spot. Under immense pressure, he calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, slotting the ball into the bottom corner to complete an improbable comeback.
And when the spotkick taker was off, the captain Torach stepped up and fired Uganda Cranes into the quarters.#CHAN2024 | #HomeOfUgandanSport pic.twitter.com/744wMgYiMX
— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) August 18, 2025
Group Standings and Road Ahead
The final whistle confirmed Uganda’s place at the top of the group with seven points, edging Algeria who finished on six after their stalemate with Niger. For South Africa, it was heartbreak. Despite scoring three goals and leading for much of the game, they fell short of qualification and were sent packing.
For Uganda, the 3-3 draw was more than just a point—it was a statement of resilience and belief. Their ability to claw back from a two-goal deficit against a strong South African side showed the mental strength and determination that has characterised their CHAN campaign so far.
Group A top spot: Kenya
Group B top spot: Tanzania
Group C top spot: UgandaTalk about home advantage.
Purchase your #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 tickets here https://t.co/awXbLaBXwH pic.twitter.com/2vNAoSivvN
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 18, 2025
The Cranes will now prepare to face the runners-up of Group D in the quarter-finals, carrying with them the confidence of a team that refuses to give up. With the home crowd firmly behind them and momentum on their side, Uganda has shown that they can match anyone on the big stage.
And as the players celebrated at Namboole under the floodlights, one thing became clear: this was a night that Ugandan football fans will remember for years.
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