CHAN: Bafana Bafana Knocked Out After Dramatic 3-3 Draw Against Uganda

Bafana Bafana bowed out of the African Nations Championship on Monday evening after an eventful 3-3 draw against Uganda. The South Africans’ inability to hold onto a two-goal lead in the final minutes cost them a spot in the next round, as they finished third in Group C.

Molefi Ntseki made tactical changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Kwanda Mngonyama and Terrence Mashego to add fresh energy to the side. The match began with a high tempo, but it was Uganda who took the lead in the 32nd minute. A beautiful counter-attack culminated with Jude Ssemugabi slotting the ball home, giving Uganda the advantage at halftime.

THE GOAL THAT ENERGISED SOUTH AFRICA

After the break, Bafana Bafana came out roaring. The team's pressure paid off in the 52nd minute when defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele showed great technique to volley home the equalizer. The goal energized the South African side, and they took the lead seven minutes later. A quick throw-in found Thabiso Kutumela, who broke clear and scored his third goal of the competition.

The victory seemed all but sealed when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo scored a brilliant long-range effort in the 82nd minute, catching the Ugandan keeper out and making the score 3-1. But the game took a dramatic turn in the final minutes. In a catastrophic end for Bafana, they gave away two late penalties.

Allan Okello scored the first from the spot in the 88th minute, and a second penalty was awarded after a VAR check in stoppage time. Rogers Torach showed immense pressure to convert the second penalty, completing the stunning comeback for Uganda and sending Bafana Bafana home.