Cranes soar into CHAN quarter-finals after stoppage time heroics

Uganda Cranes sealed a historic place in the quarter-finals of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa in front of 34,194 fans at Mandela National Stadium, Kampala on Monday night.

The point, coupled with Algeria’s goalless draw with Niger in the other Group C game, confirmed Uganda as group winners for the first time in their CHAN history. South Africa, meanwhile, bowed out on goal difference despite finishing level on six points with Algeria.

Needing only a draw to qualify, Uganda looked comfortable when Jude Ssemugabi finished off Patrick Kakande’s counter-attacking move in the 31st minute to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.

South Africa came out rejuvenated after the break. Ramahlwe Mphahlele equalized in the 52nd minute following a VAR review, and Thabiso Kutumela fired in from a tight angle six minutes later to make it 2-1. The comeback looked complete when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck a thunderbolt from distance in the 83rd minute to put the visitors 3-1 ahead.

But the Cranes roared back. Ivan Ahimbisibwe earned a penalty in the 86th minute, which Allan Okello converted to restore hope at 3-2. Deep into stoppage time, Uganda won another spot-kick after a Menzi Masuku handball, and Rogers Torach coolly slotted home in the 96th minute to send Freedom City into raptures.

Uganda finished top of Group C with seven points, ahead of Algeria (6) and South Africa (6), while Guinea (4) and Niger (2) exited. For the Cranes, it is a landmark achievement,  their first-ever progression to the CHAN knockout stages after seven failed attempts.

With Allan Okello’s creativity and the team’s newfound resilience, Uganda head into the quarter-finals buoyed by belief and home support. South Africa, though eliminated, leave with pride in their spirited fightback, but their late collapse will linger as a painful memory.