David GOMBE
South Africa’s Thalante Mbatha denied Uganda Cranes in stoppage time to add a further twist to the breathless encounter squeezing a strike past Isima Watenga during the 2025 AFCON qualifier contest at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
Mbatha’s stoppage time equaliser earned Bafana Bafana a 2-2 draw against Paul Put’s Cranes after th visitors had been on the verge of a thrilling comeback victory.
South Africa were unbeaten against the Cranes in the previous meetings with four wins and one draw.
Uganda were immediately on the back foot with Lyle Foster firing the hosts into an early lead in the 14th minute.
The home side did not relent, creating plenty more openings and pressing their opponents at every opportunity.
Uganda had to thank goalkeeper Isima Watenga for keeping them in the match despite trailing.
The Cranes looked dead and buried as they struggled to get back into the contest after the break but in form Denis Omedi sparked them into life.
Rogers Mato completed the turnaround two minutes later earning Uganda a possible away win.
Mbatha however denied Put and his men in stoppage time to add a further twist to the breathless encounter.
Uganda Cranes will next host Congo Brazzaville on Monday while South Africa will take on South Sudan.
