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Article continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script>Article continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Foster hands Bafana the lead</li><li>Omedi &amp; Mato score brilliant strikes</li><li>Mbatha hands South Africa a late equaliser</li></ul><a href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vae4thkJZg4CmvuUtR3C" target="_blank">Click here to get the latest news via our WhatsApp channel!</a><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Bafana Bafana battle back to deny Uganda in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

The home side had a bright start in the early stages of the match and were rewarded for their efforts when Burnley striker Lyle Foster got the better of opposition goalkeeper Ismail Watenga in a one-on-one from a through ball by Khuliso Mudau.&nbsp;However, towards the end of the first half, Bafana Bafana could not maintain their attacking intensity, as Uganda started to venture forward but they could not create openings, heading into the halftime break trailing 1-0. In the second half, the Ugandans cranked up the pressure, with Denis Omedi delivering a stunning long-range shot to equalize at 1-1. Shortly after, Rogers Mato added another spectacular long-range goal, giving Uganda a 2-1 lead within the first 10 minutes of the second stanza.&nbsp;The South Africans, unable to recapture their first-half form, found themselves on the defensive. However, as the match was nearing the end, Thalente Mbatha found the equaliser to ensure that South Africa earn a point in their 2-2 draw in Group K.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite being behind at halftime, the Cranes came out with renewed energy in the second half, seizing their chances and stunning the home side with a dramatic comeback.

THE MVP

After a strong first half, the fans at Orlando Stadium were confident Bafana had the game in hand. However, they missed key opportunities in the second half, while letting the Cranes claw their way back into the match.

THE BIG LOSER

The South Africans will head to South Sudan for their second Afcon qualifier match on Tuesday, September 10.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Uganda will host Congo the day before, on Monday, September 9.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bafana Bafana battle back to deny Uganda in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier | Goal.com Ghana

South Africa missed out on three points in their opening Group K Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, drawing against the Cranes on Friday night.