David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes looked like exiting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) meekly before pulling off one of the great comebacks in the 3-3 stalemate with South Africa at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Monday night.
The Cranes precisely knocked out the Bafana Bafana in an electrifying end to the game that ranks among the country’s pantheon of late, late finishes.
For those at the newly refurbished Namboole Stadium drama of the final ten minutes will never be forgotten.
Jude Ssemugabi had given Uganda the lead in the 31st minute after being fed by Patrick Jonah Kakande.
Uganda found themselves 3-1 down to thanks to second half goals from Ramahlwe Mphalele, Thabiso Kutumela and a sensational Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo strike.
At that moment, South Africa was leading the group with eight points and apparently dumping out Morley Byekwaso’s men out of their hosted carnival.
But, no. First, second half substitute Ivan Ahimbisibwe was pushed down in the forbidden area and the Cranes were awarded a penalty by Burkina Faso referee Vincent Kabore.
Allan Okello the nation’s top scorer at the tournament stepped up for his third goal of the campaign.
Infact the Cranes star boy has scored in three straight games.
In added time, the referee was sent to the monitor for a VAR check after South Africa’s defender was judged to have handled in the forbidden area.
After a long VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot to send Namboole into delight.
Uganda Cranes skipper Rogers Torach stepped up to slot home the leveller that ensured a quarterfinal spot for the co-hosts.
This is the first time that Uganda will be featuring in the last eight of the competition despite making the most final appearances at the tournament.
Uganda finished top of Group C with seven points after managing two wins, a draw and suffering just one defeat.
Meanwhile, Algeria advanced as Group C runners up following a goalless stalemate with 10-man Niger on Monday in Kenya.
