South Africa 3-3 Uganda

Algeria 0-0 Niger

Uganda clinched a historic place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa in front of 34,194 roaring fans at the Mandela National Stadium on Monday 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. For South Africa, however, it was a heartbreaking end to their campaign, finishing level on points with Algeria but eliminated on goal difference.

Uganda Make History in Kampala

Needing just a draw to seal their place in the last eight, Uganda looked set to cruise when Jude Ssemugabi opened the scoring in the 31st minute, finishing off a quick counter-attack with a composed strike after being set up by Patrick Kakande.

The Cranes carried their 1-0 lead into half-time and appeared in control of the contest. But what followed after the break was a breathless second half that saw the match swing dramatically in both directions.

South Africa’s Fightback

Bafana Bafana emerged from the dressing room with renewed purpose. Ramahlwe Mphahlele drew them level in the 52nd minute with a close-range effort, awarded after a VAR review. Just six minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela made it 2-1 with a sharp finish from a difficult angle.

South Africa seemed to be cruising when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck a stunning goal from outside the box in the 83rd minute, giving them a 3-1 lead and sending shockwaves through the home crowd.

For a brief moment, it looked like South Africa were about to pull off one of the great comebacks in tournament history.

Uganda’s Dramatic Response

But the Cranes were not done. Just three minutes after going two goals down, Ivan Ahimbisibwe was brought down inside the box, and Allan Okello calmly converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-2 — reigniting belief across the stadium.

Then, deep into stoppage time — with eight minutes added by the fourth official — Uganda surged forward once more. A handball by Menzi Masuku gifted the hosts another penalty in the 96th minute.

Rogers Torach stepped up and delivered, coolly slotting the ball into the net and sparking wild celebrations as Uganda sealed the 3-3 draw they needed to advance.

Group C Decided

Uganda finish top of Group C with seven points, followed by Algeria on six. South Africa also end with six points, but a lower goal difference sees them eliminated. Guinea (four points) and Niger (two points) also bow out.

For the Cranes — who had never reached the knockout stage in seven previous CHAN appearances — this result marks a monumental achievement and a proud moment for Ugandan football.

Quarter-Final Prospects

Uganda now marches into the last eight buoyed by belief and momentum. Their defensive grit, combined with Allan Okello’s attacking spark, will be key as they continue their fairytale run on home soil.

For South Africa, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Despite leading 3-1 late in the game, their hopes were dashed in dramatic fashion — a reminder that in football, it’s never over until the final whistle.