CHAN 2025: Uganda’s Gritty Fightback Secures Historic Knockout Spot

In a match that had everything — early dominance, tactical surprises, and a breathtaking finale — Uganda held South Africa to a dramatic 3-3 draw to top Group C and qualify for the CHAN knockout stages for the first time in history.

First Half: Explosive Counter and Defensive Discipline

The opening exchanges saw both teams sizing each other up, but it was Uganda who struck first in stunning fashion.

Jude Semugabi’s coming-of-age moment arrived in the 31st minute. Reagan Mpande found himself wide open on the left, thanks to clever off-the-ball movement. His low square pass found Patrick Kakande, who unselfishly teed it up for Semugabi to tap in past a helpless South African goalkeeper.

The inclusion of Kakande raised eyebrows — a tactical surprise that paid immediate dividends. Mpande, switching flanks frequently, stretched South Africa’s defensive shape, creating gaps that Uganda’s midfielders were quick to exploit.

South Africa did have a chance to level in the 35th minute when Keagan Dolly’s deflected shot seemed destined for goal, but Mutakubwa made a stop tp deflect the shot wide. Uganda’s backline, limited Bafana Bafana to zero shots on target in the first half — a testament to their tactical discipline and compact structure.

Second Half: South African Comeback and Chaos

South Africa came out of the dressing room with renewed intent. Their efforts were rewarded in the 53rd minute when a foul by Rogers Mukundane led to a free kick. Mutakubwa mishandled the resulting delivery, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele pounced to slot in the equalizer.

Moments later, Reagan Mpande lost possession in midfield, and South Africa punished Uganda’s high line. A looping cross found an unmarked Tabiso Kutumela, who struck confidently past a scrambling defense to give South Africa the lead.

Joel Mutakubwa kept Uganda in the game in the 71st minute, denying Dolly in a one-on-one with a brilliant reflex save. However, Bafana Bafana weren’t done yet. With Uganda pushing high in search of an equalizer, a quick counter saw Kutumela thread a pass behind the disorganized defense. His square ball lured Mutakubwa out of position, and Ndlondlo coolly lobbed the ball into an empty net to make it 3-1.

Uganda’s Dramatic Response

Despite the two-goal deficit and time running out, the Cranes showed resilience that has become their hallmark in this tournament. Just three minutes after conceding the third goal, Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty after a clumsy challenge inside the box. Allan Okello stepped up and calmly slotted it home to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The drama reached boiling point in stoppage time. With eight minutes added, Uganda threw everything forward. In the 96th minute, a desperate cross struck the arm of Menzi Masuku in the box. Penalty Uganda.

Rogers Torach, under immense pressure, converted with nerve and precision, sending the home crowd into delirium and securing a crucial point.

The 3-3 draw was enough to seal top spot in Group C for Uganda, who finished with 7 points. Algeria and South Africa both ended on 6, but the former advanced on goal difference. Guinea (4 points) and Niger (2 points) were eliminated.

For Uganda, this result marks a historic milestone — advancing to the knockout stages of CHAN for the first time after seven previous failed attempts. More than the result, it was the character, tactical maturity, and mental toughness that defined this Cranes performance.

Uganda now head into the quarterfinals riding a wave of belief, knowing they’ve overcome adversity, tactical challenges, and a determined South African side. With momentum on their side and history already made, the Cranes will look to go even further in CHAN 2025.