Bafana Bafana blew a 3-1 lead against Uganda in their final African Nations Championship Group C assignment on Monday night to record a drama-filled 3-3 draw with the Cranes at the Mandela National Stadium.
And so it ends at Mandela National Stadium pic.twitter.com/MLoIGSZotn
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 18, 2025
While South Africa stared qualification to the knockout round in the eye, two late penalties by the host nation crushed Bafana Bafana’s hopes of winning the tournament altogether.
The game commenced at a slow pace at the Mandela National Stadium, while South Africa edged their opponents to the ball possession count slightly. Neither side created any clear goal scoring opportunities with around 12 minutes on the clock.
Uganda came close to scoring in the 14th minute after left-back Herbert Achayi struck the upright after making way up the pitch. With Achayi’s shot wowing the Crane’s fans, Uganda kept pushing for an opener.
Dramatic scenes 😲😲
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 18, 2025
Uganda equalise with a stoppage penalty to put South Africa on the cusp of elimination 👇
📺 Stream #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/US8xfq1c4C
The Cranes took the lead moments after the half-hour mark as Jude Ssemugabi added his name to the scoreboard. After a free-kick scenario in their own half, Uganda swiftly turned defence into attack while Ssemugabi capped off a well-worked counter.
Uganda managed to preserve their lead at the break, however, South Africa were first to pounce after the restart. Bafana Bafana managed to level the score in the 52nd minute with Ramahlwe Mphahlele on hand to guide home a loose ball inside the box following a free-kick on the right-hand side of the box. While the VAR spotted a possible infringement, the goal stood in favour of Molefi Ntseki’s men.
Then, just six minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela nudged South Africa into the lead as he continued his goal scoring form at the showpiece. Set pieces appeared to be South Africa’s bread and butter during the early minutes of the second-half, after the attacker latched onto a well-weighted throw-in toward the 18-yard-area. With the ball in his stride, Kutumela made no mistake with an accurate finish from a tight angle.
The Mandela National Stadium erupts 🥳
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 18, 2025
Jude Ssemugabi strikes for the Cranes 🇺🇬💥
📺 Stream #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/IilrOpLU4w
South Africa added a third in the 83rd minute, with a classy lob by Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo following a rapid counter-attacking move.
Bafana then conceded a penalty soon after getting their third goal, which was converted by Allan Okello in the 88th minute.
Controversy erupted at Mandela National Stadium during stoppage time after the VAR officials were alerted to a possible handball inside the Bafana box. After the VAR officials were unsure of the outcome, the referee decided to award Uganda with a penalty after having a look at the pitch side monitor.
Stepping up to the spot, Rogers Torach held his nerve to score an equalising goal for his nation deep into stoppage time.
South Africa: (0) 3 (Mphahlele 52’, Kutumela 58’ Ndlondlo 83’)
Uganda: (1) 3 (Ssemugabi 31’, Okello 88’ (P), Torach 96’ (P) )
South Africa: Xulu, Mphahlele (Majadibodou 79’), Johannes, Mngonyama, Jooste, Ndlondlo (Makarine 89’), Khoza, Mashego (Tlolane 97’), Maema, Dolly (Masuku 89’), Kutumela
Uganda: Mutakubwa, Achayi, Mukudane, Torach, Kizito, Watambala, Ssebagala, Mpande (Ahimbisibwe 64’), Kakande (Sentamu 77’), Okello (Usama 89’), Ssemugabi