Uganda Cranes delivered one of the most dramatic nights in Ugandan football history, clawing back from 3–1 down to draw 3–3 with South Africa and storm into the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
The Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole, erupted as captain Rogers Torach converted a 96th-minute penalty, sealing Uganda’s place at the top of Group C with seven points. It is the first time in seven CHAN appearances that the Cranes have advanced to the knockout stage.
Uganda only needed a draw, but the night began with promise when Jude Ssemugabi struck in the 31st minute to give the home fans hope. 
South Africa roared back after halftime. Ramahlwe Mpahahlele leveled in the 52nd minute, his strike standing after VAR overturned the referee’s initial call.
Moments later, Thabiso Kuthmela put Bafana Bafana ahead, before Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo capitalized on a goalkeeping error to make it 3–1.
With the Cranes seemingly out of it, the crowd fell silent but not for long.
In the 88th minute, Allan Okello coolly slotted home a penalty after Keagan Johannes fouled a Ugandan forward. That lifeline set the stage for one last twist.
Deep into stoppage time, a South African handball gave Uganda another penalty. Up stepped skipper Torach, who buried the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium.
The draw, coupled with Algeria’s stalemate with Niger in Nairobi, meant Uganda finished top of Group C. South Africa, who needed a win, crashed out.
For Uganda, the night was more than just progression — it was vindication. From despair to jubilation in a single match, the Cranes finally broke their CHAN hoodoo in the most astonishing way possible.
