Uganda’s stunning comeback bounces South Africa from CHAN

2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosts Uganda appeared to be on their way out of the compettion on Monday but the Cranes scored twice in the final ten minutes to draw South Africa 3-3, a result that qualified them for the quarterfinals out of Group C while eliminated Bafana Bafana.

Captain Rogers Torach’s penalty kick in second half stoppage time provided the crucial equalizer after it looked like all hope was lost for the co-hosts at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Allan Okello converted a spot kick in the 88th minute after Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo appered to put South Africa out of reach a few minutes earlier.

But the dramatic comeback left Bafana players in disbelief and anger after a handball caused the Video Assistant Referee to call the head referee over, who confirmed a penalty kick for the Cranes that ended with Torach’s crucial goal.

Uganda advance as Group C winners while Algeria sneak in as the runners-up. In the other game played simultaneously, Les Verts did just enough with a 0-0 draw against Niger to advance at South Africa’s expense due to a superior goal difference.

Algeria will face the Group D winners, which will be determined on Tuesday and face either Sudan or Senegal at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on August 23. Uganda await the runners-up and will stay at home in Kampala for their quarterfinal game on August 23.

Final Group C Table

1. Uganda- 7 points
2. Algeria- 6 points (GD: +3)
3. South Africa- 6 points (GD: +1)
4. Guinea- 4 points
5. Niger- 2 points
   
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