South Africa 3-3 Uganda Cranes
Algeria 0-0 Niger
Under the dazzling floodlights of Mandela National Stadium, Uganda Cranes scripted history on Monday night, coming from behind to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw with South Africa and, for the first time ever, booked their place in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In what will be remembered as one of Uganda’s most thrilling football nights, the Cranes showed resilience, character, and belief—hallmarks of champions in the making.
Jude Semugabi opened the scoring for Uganda in the 31st minute, giving the hosts an early lead and sending the home fans into raptures. However, the second half saw a resurgent South Africa who netted three goals in quick succession through Ramahlwe Mphahlele (52′), Thabiso Kutumela (58′), and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (83′), stunning the Ugandan crowd into silence.
But the Cranes refused to bow out. Allan Okello converted a penalty in the 88th minute to give Uganda hope, and in the dying moments of the game—deep into stoppage time (90+6′)—Rogers Torach stepped up to bury another penalty, completing a sensational comeback and sealing the crucial point Uganda needed to top Group C.
The result meant Uganda finished first in the group with 7 points, while Algeria and South Africa both ended with 6. However, Algeria advanced on goal difference (+3) over South Africa (+1), following a goalless draw against Niger in the other group match.
Final Group C Standings:
- Uganda – 7 pts
- Algeria – 6 pts
- South Africa – 6 pts
- Guinea – 4 pts
- Niger – 2 pts
Uganda will now face the second-placed team in Group D on Saturday, August 23rd, at the same venue—Mandela National Stadium—while Algeria will take on the Group D leaders in Zanzibar at Amaan Stadium.
This is a landmark moment for the Cranes, who had previously failed to make it past the group stage in all six of their past CHAN appearances. In their seventh attempt, they’ve finally broken the curse—reaching the knockout stage in the eighth edition of the tournament.
The stakes are high as the CHAN2024 champion will walk away with a grand prize of $3.5 million. With the spirit shown in Kampala, Uganda’s journey may just be getting started
