South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, has been knocked out of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a 3-3 draw with tournament hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Fans had hoped Bafana would keep South Africa’s spirits high by reaching the knockout stage of the tournament, which is run by the Confederation of African Football. But after leading 3-1, the team let Uganda come back into the game and their hopes ended in heartbreak.
The first half started slowly, with Uganda almost scoring in the 14th minute when Herbert Achayi hit the post. The home side did find the opening goal just after the 30-minute mark through Jude Ssemugabi.
Bafana responded strongly after the break. Goals from Ramahlwe Mphahlele (52’), Thabiso Kutumela (57’), and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (83’) put South Africa 3-1 ahead and in control. But the match took a dramatic turn in the final minutes.
In the 88th minute, Allan Okello scored a penalty for Uganda to make it 3-2. Then, in stoppage time, VAR checked a possible handball in the South African box. The referee reviewed the incident and awarded another penalty. Rogers Torach stepped up and scored, earning Uganda a 3-3 draw and sending Bafana out of the tournament.
It was a painful way for Molefi Ntseki’s men to exit. The national football team showed flashes of quality but once again struggled with focus in key moments, a reminder of the tough standards set in Confederation of African Football competitions.
