Bafana Bafana Crash Out of African Nations Championship After 3-3 Draw With Uganda

Bafana Bafana’s African Nations Championship journey came to a disappointing end after a 3-3 draw with Uganda at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Monday night. The result confirmed South Africa’s elimination from the competition, with Uganda advancing as Group C winners.

South Africa made two changes from the side that drew with Niger, as Kwanda Mngonyama and Terrence Mashego returned to the starting lineup, while Kaketso Majadibodu and Tebogo Tlolane dropped to the bench.

Uganda created the first big chance in the 14th minute. Allan Olekllo broke into the box before setting up Karim Watambala, whose effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu. The pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Patrick Kakande set up Jude Ssemugabi, who slotted past Xulu from close range to hand Uganda the lead.

Bafana struggled to respond before the interval but found their rhythm early in the second half. Seven minutes after the restart, veteran defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele volleyed home from Mngonyama’s knockdown to make it 1-1. The turnaround was complete in the 59th minute when Thabiso Kutumela fired in from a tight angle to score his third goal of the tournament.

With momentum on their side, South Africa looked to have sealed the win in the 83rd minute when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck from 30 yards after spotting the Ugandan goalkeeper off his line. At 3-1, the hosts seemed destined to progress.

Uganda, however, staged a late fightback. In the 88th minute, Olekllo converted a penalty after Kegan Johannes was penalised for a foul inside the box. Deep into stoppage time, Uganda were awarded another penalty for handball, and Rogers Torach held his nerve to equalise.

The draw left Uganda on top of Group C, while South Africa finished third, confirming their exit from the tournament.

South Africa XI: Xulu, Mashego, Mphahlele, Mngonyama, Johannes, Jooste, Khoza, Ndlondlo, Dolly, Kutumela, Maema
Subs: Thuntsane, Mbanjwa, Molaoa, Majadibodu, Makaringe, Masuku, Dlambewu, Tloane, Masiya, Lepasa, Ngubane, Mashini