By In front of a raucous crowd of 34,194 fans at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole Hill, Kira Municipality) on 18 August 2025, Uganda staged a dramatic comeback to salvage a 3–3 draw with South Africa in their final Group C fixture of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)—and in doing so, secured their first-ever progression to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Match Highlights:
Jude Ssemugabi opened the scoring in the 31st minute, calmly slotting in after a quick break led by Patrick Kakande.
The second half turned the tides. Ramahlwe Mphahlele equalized in the 52nd minute after a VAR-checked finish. Thabiso Kutumela then gave South Africa the lead just six minutes later.
With momentum on their side, the visitors extended their lead to 3–1 in the 83rd minute through a stunning strike from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
Uganda refused to yield. Allan Okello converted a penalty three minutes later to make it 3–2.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, with eight added minutes signaled, Uganda earned another penalty via a handball by Menzi Masuku—a lifeline they seized to level the match in dramatic fashion.
The result meant Uganda finished top of Group C with seven points, edged out by goal difference over Algeria and South Africa—both of whom ended with six points.
For Uganda, the draw was historic: not only did they reach the CHAN quarter-finals for the first time, but they also delivered a powerful home-ground spirit. For South Africa, it was heartbreak—coming within minutes of qualification, only to see it slip away in the final moments.
