- On Monday, football fans witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of CHAN 2024 as Uganda faced South Africa in their final group fixture
- Whereas Bafana Bafana will reflect on how close they came to advancing to the quarters, Uganda Cranes remain jubilant after making it to the knockouts of CHAN for the first time in history
On Monday, football fans witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of CHAN 2024 as Uganda faced South Africa in their final group fixture.
Uganda Cranes, who are co-hosts of CHAN 2024, looked to be on their way out of the tournament trailing 3-1 with only three minutes of normal time left to play. However, what followed in the final minutes of the game will live forever in the memory of Ugandans. Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty for the home boys and Allan Okello made no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
With the fourth official signaling eight additional minutes after the normal 90, Uganda put all the pressure on South Africa and eventually found a way of scoring deep into stoppage time after a handball by winger Menzi Masuku in the box. This time, it was Rogers Torach who stepped up to take the penalty.
Uganda players celebrates after captain Rogers Torach scored the equalizer in added time. Photo/ Daily Express.
The 22-year-old slotted home the ball to equalize for Uganda and spark wild celebrations at the fully packed Mandela National Stadium, Ndombele.
The goal did not only level the scores for the hosts but also sent them top of Group C with seven points. Algeria finished second on the group standings with six points hence securing their spot in the quarterfinals. South Africa, who also have six points, fell short on goal difference hence their 2024 CHAN campaign came to an end after the match against Uganda. Guinea and Niger also exited the competition after winning four and two points, respectively.
Whereas Bafana Bafana will reflect on how close they came to advancing to the quarters, Uganda Cranes remain jubilant after making it to the knockouts of CHAN for the first time in history. They join the other co-hosts of CHAN, Kenya and Tanzania, who also secured spots in the quarterfinals after finishing top of their groups.
Speaking after the thrilling match against Bafana Bafana, Uganda head coach Morley Byekwaso expressed his happiness for making it past the group stages despite suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat in their opening game of the tournament.
“I recall that at the start of the tournament, we lost our first game. It was a sad moment, but we kept believing. Today, here we are, through to the next stage.” Morley Byekwaso is quoted by Africa Top Sports.
Head coach Byekwaso also acknowledged the confidence and maturity of his squad, and praised the team’s captain Rogers Torach for his leadership.
Uganda Vs South Africa: How The Match Unfolded
Heading into the final match of Group C, Uganda needed at least a draw to avoid being eliminated in the group stages. Despite having the support of a fully packed Mandela National Stadium, the home boys knew it was not going to be an easy task considering the opponent they were up against.
South Africa, on the other hand, needed nothing less than victory to advance to the quarterfinals. They started the game on a high note, with Wayde Jooste and Keagan Dolly causing chaos in Uganda’s backline. The co-hosts slowly grew into the game and had their first big chance in the 14th minute when Karim Watambala tested goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
The breakthrough moment eventually arrived in the 31st minute when Jude Ssemugabi completed a swift counterattack with a goal to put Uganda in front. Cranes remained in control of the match until half-time.
Uganda advanced to the quarterfinals of CHAN 2024 after last evening’s 3-3 draw against Bafana Bafana. Photo/ Pan Africa Football.
However, Bafana Bafana came back stronger after the break and scored two quick goals in the 52nd and 58th minute to turn the match around. Things got worse for Cranes as South Africans increased their advantage to 3-1 in the 83rd minute.
It seemed like the co-hosts were on their way out of the tournament when Allan Okello scored a penalty in the 88th minute after Ivan Ahimbisibwe was fouled in the box. The equalizer then arrived deep in stoppage time after another penalty was awarded to the Cranes following a handball by Menzi Masuku.
