CHAN2024: Uganda sail to quarters by the barest of margins after improbable comeback
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 18.08.25. | 22:25
The Cranes finished top of their group with seven points, while Algeria joined them in second place on six points following their barren draw against Niger
Uganda booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after staging a dramatic comeback to hold South Africa to a 3-3 draw in a pulsating six-goal thriller at Namboole Stadium.
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Captain Rodgers Ochaki emerged as the hero of the night, calmly converting a last-minute penalty that sealed Uganda’s progression to the knockout stage and dashed South Africa’s hopes of advancing.
The Cranes finished top of their group with seven points, while Algeria joined them in second place on six points following their barren draw against Niger.
The encounter lived up to its billing, with both sides going all out in pursuit of a quarter-final berth. Backed by a partisan home crowd, Uganda started brightly through the lively duo of Reagan Mpande and Allan Okello, whose early exchanges kept South Africa’s defence on high alert.
Abbdi Karim Watambala and Jude Ssemugabi both came close before the latter finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, tapping home Patrick Kakande’s incisive pass to hand Uganda the lead.
South Africa, however, responded with urgency. Captain Neo Maema and midfielder Keagan Dolly tested goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa with long-range efforts before Ramahlwe Mphahlele restored parity ten minutes after the restart.
Moments later, Thabiso Kutulema turned the tie on its head with a low drive to give Bafana Bafana the advantage.
The visitors extended their lead late in the second half when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo finished off a sweeping move to put South Africa 3-1 ahead, leaving Uganda’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
But the Cranes, spurred on by their resilient spirit, launched a stirring fightback. Substitute Ivan won a penalty that Okello converted, cutting the deficit with just minutes left to play.
Then came the dramatic twist. With the clock ticking down, VAR confirmed handball inside the box by a South Africa defender. Up stepped Ochaki, who coolly dispatched the penalty to spark wild celebrations as Uganda sealed a 3-3 draw that proved enough to send them through.
The result means Uganda tops the group and will now face the runners-up of Group D in the quarter-finals, while South Africa bows out despite their valiant effort.
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