FOOTBALL – UGANDA clinched an historic place in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala yesterday night.
The result, coupled with Algeria’s goalless stalemate against Niger in the other Group C fixture, ensured the Cranes advanced as group winners for the first time in their CHAN history, while South Africa’s campaign ended in heartbreak.
Needing just a draw to seal their place in the last eight, Uganda looked set to cruise when Jude Ssemugabi put them ahead in the 31st minute, firing home from Patrick Kakande’s assist on the counter-attack.
The Cranes carried their lead into half-time and appeared in control, but what followed after the break was a breathless contest that swung back and forth until the final whistle.
The Bafana Bafana emerged transformed in the second half. Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s close-range strike, awarded after a VAR check in the 52nd minute, dragged them level before Thabiso Kutumela’s sharp finish from a tight angle made it 2-1 just six minutes later.
The visitors’ momentum continued when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo unleashed a stunning effort from outside the box to make it 3-1 in the 83rd minute.
For a brief moment, South Africa looked destined to stage one of the tournament’s great turnarounds.
But the hosts refused to fold. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty three minutes later, and Allan Okello calmly converted to reduce the deficit to 3-2, reigniting belief inside the stadium.
The drama reached fever pitch deep into stoppage time. With the fourth official signalling eight additional minutes, Uganda poured forward and forced another penalty after a handball by Menzi Masuku.
Rogers Torach stepped up in the 96th minute, slotting home to spark wild celebrations as Uganda secured the draw they needed.
The result leaves Uganda top of Group C with seven points, one ahead of Algeria on six. South Africa also finish on six but fall short on goal difference, while Guinea (four points) and Niger (two points) exit the competition.
For the Cranes, who had never reached the CHAN knockouts in seven previous attempts, this represents a landmark achievement.
South Africa, meanwhile, are left to reflect on how close they came to advancing after leading with just minutes to play.
Uganda now march into the last eight with belief strengthened by their fighting spirit, while Algeria progress as runners-up.
The Cranes’ defensive resilience and Allan Okello’s attacking spark will be crucial as they continue their bid to extend a dream run on home soil.
For South Africa, the tournament ends in disappointment but with pride in their battling display. Their inability to hold on in the dying minutes, however, will sting for some time.
Meanwhile, Algeria booked their spot in the quarter-finals after a tense 0-0 draw with Niger in Nairobi.
The holders of the 2022 runners-up place came into the final group fixture knowing a single point would be sufficient, and despite struggling to break down an organised Nigerien defence, Madjid Bougherra’s men did just enough to extend their tournament.
Though goalless, the contest at Nyayo National Stadium was anything but dull. Algeria dominated early possession and carved out chances, with Soufiane Bayazid and Mehdi Merghem both testing goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja.
Niger, already eliminated before kick-off, showed spirit of their own. Ibrahim Djingarey fired over from a free kick and later saw his evening end prematurely when he was shown a second yellow card in the 77th minute.
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