KAMPALA — Uganda Cranes staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against South Africa in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on 18/08/2025, Monday night.
What looked like a meek exit turned into one of the most memorable finishes in Ugandan football history, as the Cranes overturned a two-goal deficit in the dying minutes to knock out Bafana Bafana and book a place in the quarterfinals for the first time.
Jude Ssemugabi opened the scoring for Uganda in the 31st minute, finishing off Patrick Jonah Kakande’s assist. However, South Africa responded strongly in the second half, with goals from Ramahlwe Mphalele, Thabiso Kutumela, and a stunning strike by Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, putting them 3-1 ahead and seemingly in control of Group C.
The Cranes’ lifeline came when substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty that Allan Okello calmly converted—his third goal in as many games.
Into added time, VAR intervened after a South African defender was adjudged to have handled in the area. Captain Rogers Torach stepped up and coolly slotted home the equalizer, sending the home crowd into jubilation and sealing Uganda’s place in the last eight.
The 3-3 result not only knocked out Bafana Bafana but also secured Uganda’s first-ever quarterfinal berth at CHAN, despite being one of the most frequent participants in the competition.
Uganda topped Group C with seven points from two wins, a draw, and one defeat. Algeria also progressed as runners-up after a goalless draw against 10-man Niger in Kenya.
