Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, made history on Monday night by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time in seven appearances.
The dramatic 3-3 draw against South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala ensured Uganda topped Group C with 7 points — one ahead of Algeria — and joined co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania in the last eight.
The result also marked the first time all three East African nations progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Uganda took the lead in the 31st minute through Jude Ssemugabi and went into halftime 1-0 up. But South Africa turned the game around early in the second half, scoring twice through Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thabiso Kutumela in the 52nd and 58th minutes. Ndlondlo Ndabayithethwa added a third for South Africa in the 83rd minute, silencing the home crowd.
With just minutes left, and many Ugandan fans already leaving the stadium, the Cranes staged a sensational comeback. Allan Okello scored from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, and Rogers Torach repeated the feat deep into stoppage time in the 96th minute. The 3-3 draw meant Uganda qualified ahead of South Africa on goal difference.
Group C Standings
Uganda – 7 points
Algeria – 6 points
South Africa – 6 points (inferior goal difference)
Guinea – 4 points
Niger – 2 points
Only the top two teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals.
Uganda will face the runner-up of Group D on Saturday, while Algeria will take on the Group D winner. The final matches in Group D are scheduled for Tuesday August 19, 2025:
Senegal vs Sudan – Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar (8:00 PM)
Nigeria vs Republic of Congo – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Group D Standings before final matches:
Sudan – 4 points
Senegal – 4 points
Republic of Congo – 2 points
Nigeria – 0 points (already eliminated)
Uganda’s qualification marks a major achievement for the Cranes, finally breaking a long-standing quarter-final curse. More importantly, with Kenya, Tanzania, and now Uganda in the quarter-finals, East Africa is making a powerful statement in the continental tournament.
Uganda now looks ahead with renewed confidence as they prepare for their next big challenge in the CHAN 2024 knockout stage.
