The Uganda Cranes wrote history on Monday evening at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, when they qualified for the quarterfinals of the CHAN 2024 for the very first time after a thrilling 3–3 draw with South Africa. The unforgettable night was graced by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, who joined thousands of fans in celebrating the team’s achievement.
Uganda started the match brightly and in the 23rd minute, Jude Ssemugabi broke the deadlock with a fine finish that sent the stadium into wild cheers. South Africa, however, hit back through Ramahlwe Mphahlele, who equalized to silence the crowd. The visitors then added two more goals in the second half through Thabiso Kutumela and Nbatayithethwa Ndlondlo, leaving Uganda trailing 3–1 and facing elimination.
But the Cranes refused to give up. With the clock ticking down, they pushed forward with courage and were rewarded in the 88th minute when Allan Okello calmly converted a penalty to make it 3–2. The belief returned, and in stoppage time, Uganda won another spot kick. Rogers Torach stepped up under pressure and slotted home the equalizer. The stadium erupted in joy as Uganda completed a dramatic comeback to secure the point they needed to advance.
After the match, Coach Morley Byekwaso praised his players for their determination and resilience.
“We started the tournament with a painful loss, but we never gave up. We kept believing and pushing and God has blessed us. This is a young team, but step by step, the experience is coming. We’re pausing the party to focus on the next match, and we’re all set,” Said Coach Morley Byekwaso
The final Group C standings had Uganda on top with 7 points, followed by Algeria and South Africa, who both finished with 6 points, Guinea third on four points, and Niger at the bottom with two points. For the first time in history, Uganda finished as group leaders and booked their place in the quarterfinals of CHAN.
Next up, Uganda will face the runners-up from Group D on Saturday, 23rd August 2025, once again at the Mandela National Stadium. With history already made, the Cranes will now dream of going even further in the competition.