Uganda Cranes finally ended years of frustration at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), advancing to the knockout stages for the first time after a gripping 3-3 draw with South Africa on Monday night at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

The result saw Uganda top Group C with seven points, one ahead of Algeria. South Africa, despite also finishing on six points, were eliminated on goal difference. Guinea (four points) and Niger (two) exited the tournament.

With only a draw needed to qualify, Uganda settled quickly and delighted the home crowd when Jude Ssemugabi opened the scoring in the 31st minute, finishing off Patrick Kakande’s swift counter-attack. The Cranes went into the break leading 1-0, seemingly cruising towards history.

South Africa returned from halftime with intensity and turned the match around in a matter of minutes. Ramahlwe Mphahlele levelled the score in the 52nd minute after a VAR review, before Thabiso Kutumela edged Bafana Bafana in front six minutes later.

Their momentum continued into the final stretch when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 83rd minute to make it 3-1, leaving Uganda staring at heartbreak.

But the Cranes refused to bow out. In the 86th minute, Ivan Ahimbisibwe won a penalty, and Allan Okello converted to cut the deficit to 3-2, reigniting belief inside the stadium.

The drama peaked in stoppage time when a handball by Menzi Masuku handed Uganda another spot-kick. Rogers Torach stepped up in the 96th minute, coolly slotting home to seal a famous draw that sent the stadium into wild celebrations.

For the first time in eight attempts, Uganda have reached the CHAN quarter-finals, breaking the cycle of early exits that haunted past campaigns. The Cranes’ resilience, character, and fighting spirit in Kampala marked a new chapter in the nation’s football journey.

Head coach Morley Byekwaso and his squad will now head into the last eight with momentum and confidence, backed by Allan Okello’s creativity and a passionate home crowd.

For South Africa, the exit was bitter. Leading 3-1 with minutes to go, Bafana Bafana looked destined for progression but were undone by late lapses and Uganda’s unrelenting spirit.

By – Kato Joshua