Uganda Cranes rose from the ashes after digging deep against South Africa to earn a vital point and qualify for the quarter-finals of the African Football Championship (CHAN) this evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, following a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Uganda entered the game needing just a point to advance to the quarter-final stage. In the 31st minute, the team took the lead through Jude Ssemugabi after a brilliantly executed counterattack.
This sent Namboole into loud roars that echoed throughout the first half.
After the break, the Cranes appeared to lose control for a few minutes, allowing South Africa to score twice in quick succession.
In the 83rd minute, South Africa seemed to have buried all of Uganda’s hopes as they netted a third goal to make it 3-1.
This triggered a mass exodus of fans from the stadium. However, in the 88th minute, the Cranes began their remarkable fightback when Allan Okello pulled one back from the penalty spot.
In the sixth minute of added time, Uganda was awarded another penalty after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. With Okello already substituted, captain and defender Rogers Torach stepped up and converted the spot-kick to secure the much-needed goal.
When the final whistle was blown, Namboole erupted into one giant celebration. The Cranes advanced to the next round as Group C winners after Algeria also drew against Niger. This marks the first time Uganda has ever progressed beyond the group stage at CHAN.
