The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has already given fans some unforgettable football, but few moments match the drama that unfolded in Kampala. Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, made history with a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Africa, securing their first-ever spot in the CHAN quarter-finals. This result also marked the first time Uganda finished top of their group, sending a wave of celebration across the country.
South Africa came back strong after the break. Goals from Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thabiso Kutumela, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo put Bafana Bafana 3-1 ahead with less than 10 minutes to go. At that point, it looked like Uganda’s dream run was about to end in heartbreak. But the Cranes had other ideas.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty in the 87th minute, which Allan Okello calmly converted. Then, in stoppage time, another penalty was awarded after a South African handball. Rogers Torach stepped up and slotted it home in the 96th minute, sparking wild celebrations inside the Mandela National Stadium. The final whistle confirmed Uganda’s qualification, and their fans erupted in joy.
Have you ever noticed how much a crowd can change the momentum of a match? Just as a student studies harder when encouraged, footballers rise to the occasion when cheered on by thousands. Uganda’s fans played a massive role in turning what looked like defeat into triumph.
As the tournament heads into the knockout rounds, one question lingers: Can East Africa go all the way? For now, fans can dream, and the Cranes, Harambee Stars, and Taifa Stars have given them every reason to believe.
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| Uganda Cranes Captain Rogers Torach Celebrating with Fans | PHOTO: x.com/UgandaCranes |
How the Match Unfolded
Needing only a draw to advance, Uganda started brightly. Jude Ssemugabi opened the scoring in the 31st minute after a clever assist from Patrick Kakande. At half-time, the Cranes looked calm and in control. But as any football fan knows, matches often take unexpected turns.South Africa came back strong after the break. Goals from Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thabiso Kutumela, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo put Bafana Bafana 3-1 ahead with less than 10 minutes to go. At that point, it looked like Uganda’s dream run was about to end in heartbreak. But the Cranes had other ideas.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty in the 87th minute, which Allan Okello calmly converted. Then, in stoppage time, another penalty was awarded after a South African handball. Rogers Torach stepped up and slotted it home in the 96th minute, sparking wild celebrations inside the Mandela National Stadium. The final whistle confirmed Uganda’s qualification, and their fans erupted in joy.
Why This Result Matters
This wasn’t just another draw. For Uganda, it was a historic moment. In their previous CHAN appearances, the Cranes had never gone beyond the group stage. Now, they not only advanced but did so as group leaders, finishing with seven points ahead of Algeria and South Africa.- Uganda: 7 points – Group C winners
- Algeria: 6 points – runners-up
- South Africa: 6 points – eliminated on goal difference
- Guinea: 4 points – eliminated
- Niger: 2 points – eliminated
A Historic Moment for East Africa
Uganda’s progress is part of a much bigger story. For the first time in CAF competition history, all three co-hosts of the CHAN tournament – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – made it to the quarter-finals. That achievement reflects the tournament’s theme, “Pamoja”, a Swahili word meaning “together.”Kenya’s Breakthrough
Kenya came into the tournament as debutants, but they quickly made their mark. The Harambee Stars topped Group A with 10 points, finishing ahead of defending champions Morocco. A 1-0 victory over Zambia, secured by Ryan Ogam’s late goal, was the highlight of their campaign so far. For the fans in Nairobi, this was a dream start.Tanzania’s Strong Run
Tanzania dominated Group B, winning three of their four matches and collecting 10 points. Their mix of attacking flair and solid defending made them one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams. Fans in Dar es Salaam packed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, turning every game into a celebration.Uganda’s Breakthrough
For Uganda, the last-gasp comeback against South Africa was more than just a result, it was a statement of resilience. After six failed attempts, they finally advanced to the knockout rounds, rewriting their footballing story in front of home supporters.Looking Ahead to the Quarter-Finals
The excitement doesn’t stop here. Each of the co-hosts will play their quarter-final matches at home, guaranteeing packed stadiums and carnival-like atmospheres. Here’s what the fixtures look like:- Kenya vs Madagascar – Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi
- Tanzania vs Morocco – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam
- Uganda vs Group D runners-up – Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
- Winners Group D vs Algeria – Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar
Fans’ Role in Uganda’s Success
One thing that stood out in Kampala was the sheer energy from the stands. Over 34,000 fans packed the Mandela National Stadium, pushing their team to fight until the very end. For many players, it felt like having a 12th man on the pitch.Have you ever noticed how much a crowd can change the momentum of a match? Just as a student studies harder when encouraged, footballers rise to the occasion when cheered on by thousands. Uganda’s fans played a massive role in turning what looked like defeat into triumph.
What This Means for African Football
The success of the East African co-hosts sends a strong message: football in the region is rising. For years, North and West African nations dominated CAF competitions. Now, East Africa is stepping up, proving it can compete at the highest level. The collective achievement of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will inspire future generations of players.Final Thoughts
Uganda’s dramatic draw against South Africa will be remembered as one of the defining moments of CHAN 2024. It wasn’t just about securing a place in the quarter-finals; it was about resilience, unity, and belief. Alongside Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda has shown that East Africa is ready to shine on the continental stage.As the tournament heads into the knockout rounds, one question lingers: Can East Africa go all the way? For now, fans can dream, and the Cranes, Harambee Stars, and Taifa Stars have given them every reason to believe.
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