The Uganda Cranes etched their name into African football folklore on Monday evening after storming into the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals for the very first time.
In a pulsating six-goal thriller at Mandela National Stadium, Uganda clawed their way back from the brink to hold South Africa 3-3, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.
The night began with promise when Jude Ssemugabi struck on the half-hour mark, finishing off a lightning counter that split the Bafana Bafana defence.

His opener lifted the roof off the stadium, but the visitors turned the tide after the interval.
South Africa leveled through Ramahlwe Mphalele just seven minutes into the second half, capitalizing on Uganda’s defensive hesitation.
Moments later, Thabiso Kutumela punished another lapse at the back, before Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo seemed to put the contest beyond reach in the 83rd minute, tucking home for a 3-1 lead.
With the clock running out, Uganda’s resilience took center stage. Substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe drew a foul inside the box, paving the way for Allan Okello to calmly slot home from the spot in the 88th minute.

The comeback was complete deep into stoppage time when a VAR review awarded Uganda another penalty after the ball struck a South African defender’s arm.
With the stadium holding its breath, Rogers Torach displayed nerves of steel, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and igniting euphoric scenes among the Cranes faithful.
The final whistle confirmed not just a dramatic point but also a historic qualification to the last eight, a feat Uganda had never achieved before in the tournament’s history.
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