August 18, (THEWILL) — South Africa suffered a devastating blow to their African Nations Championship campaign on Monday evening, surrendering a commanding 3-1 advantage to draw 3-3 with Uganda at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium. The result leaves Bafana Bafana’s knockout stage qualification hanging by a thread, with two stoppage-time penalties from the hosts transforming what appeared certain victory into crushing disappointment for Molefi Ntseki’s side.
The match began with Uganda drawing first blood through Jude Ssemugabi’s well-executed counter-attack in the 31st minute, capitalising on a swift transition from defensive positioning. South Africa responded emphatically after the interval, with Ramahlwe Mphahlele equalising in the 52nd minute from close range following a set-piece delivery. Thabiso Kutumela then put the visitors ahead six minutes later, converting expertly from a tight angle after latching onto a precise throw-in near the penalty area.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo appeared to have sealed the victory for South Africa in the 83rd minute with an exquisite lobbed finish during a rapid counter-attacking sequence. However, the final stages proved calamitous for Bafana Bafana, with Allan Okello reducing the deficit from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after the visitors conceded their first spot-kick of the evening.
The most contentious moment arrived deep into stoppage time when VAR officials alerted referee to a potential handball incident inside the South African penalty box. After consulting the pitchside monitor, the official awarded Uganda a second penalty, which Rogers Torach converted with considerable composure to complete an extraordinary comeback for the Cranes.
The dramatic conclusion leaves South Africa facing an uphill battle to progress beyond the group stage, whilst Uganda’s late heroics have significantly boosted their own qualification prospects.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
