By Kent Kenneth Arereng
Uganda Cranes made the biggest comeback in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) against continental giants South Africa to force a 3-3 draw on Monday night at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
The first half witnessed one goal scored by Cranes Jude Ssemugabi in the 31st minute after a good set up from Patrick Kakande.
Bafana Bafana which enjoyed possession of 55% against Uganda’s 45% struck two quick goals in a space of six minutes. Ramahlwe Mphalele and Thabiso Kutumela scored in the 52nd and 58th minutes respectively before Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo added a third (83rd minute) strike.
Cranes sensational striker Allan Okello stepped up for his third goal of the tournament with a well-executed penalty (88th minute) after Ivan Ahimbisibwe had been brought down in the penalty box.
Burkina Faso referee pointed to another penalty in added time after a VAR check. Uganda Cranes skipper Rogers Torach added more misery to Bafana Bafana with a good equalizer that ensured a quarter final spot for the team.
Uganda advanced as group winners in group C with 7 points and Algeria finished as Group C runners up following a goalless stalemate with Niger in Kenya.
The East African Pamoja neighbours;Kenya and Tanzania are also into the quarter finals and face Madagascar and Morocco respectively.
This is the biggest achievement for Uganda Cranes in CHAN as earlier campaigns have yielded fruitless results.
