Former Orlando Pirates & Mamelodi Sundowns forward impresses scouts in South Africa colours, but former Kaizer Chiefs coach's Bafana Bafana are eliminated from 2024 CHAN after six-goal thriller against Uganda

A late resurgence has ensured Uganda's progress to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals following a 3-3 draw against South Africa at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Monday. 

The Uganda Cranes kept fighting despite going down twice, and two late goals ensured that they sent South Africa home and joined their fellow East Africans, Kenya and Uganda, in the quarter-finals. 

Despite going down in the first half, a spirited fight in the second half saw Bafana Bafana stun the East Africans and advance to the knockout stage. 

Cranes almost broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, but Karim Watambala was denied by Samukelo Xulu. The Vipers SC midfielder did well to connect to a cross from the right wing and attempted to slot it into the left bottom corner, but Xulu stretched to sweep it away for a corner. 

Another chance for the CHAN co-host came in the 16th minute, but Hillary Mukudane's header went wide after Allan Okello delivered a precise corner kick into the box.

Bafana almost grabbed the opener in the 18th minute as the Uganda defence was caught off guard. However, Kegan Johannes' effort went just wide as the East Africans breathed a sigh of relief after coming out unscathed from that dangerous situation.

After a swift counterattack, Uganda finally registered the opening goal in the 31st minute. With an assist from Patrick Kakande, Jude Ssemugabi scored the goal that powered the Cranes into the lead.

In the 35th minute, Bafana almost equalised, but goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was alert and managed to deny former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Keagan Dolly.

Bafana came back for the second half as a more determined side and equalised in the 52nd when Ramahlwe Mphahlele scored with an assist from Kwanda Mngonyama. The goal was subjected to a VAR check after the assistant referee had raised his flag for offside, but after the assessment, the goal was given.

The parity did not last long, as the COSAFA nation grabbed the lead when Thabiso Kutumela, who has been a star in this competition for his country, scored their second goal of the match in the 58th minute.

South Africa's authority in this game was confirmed when they scored their third goal. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo scored in the 83rd minute to sink the Cranes even further, with Dolly providing the assist.

Uganda's hope of a comeback received a slim boost when Okello scored a penalty in the 88th minute.

South Africa thought they had sealed their place in the quarter-final, but Uganda could not let that happen; a penalty goal in the sixth minute of added time by Rogers Torach is all the home side needed to progress.

Meanwhile, Uganda regained their position at the top with seven points, and Algeria, who also progressed, are second with six.

An inferior goal difference places South Africa third with six points, while Guinea and Niger are fourth and fifth, respectively.

Okello was a threat that Bafana struggled to contain, especially late in the second half. His creativity and speed played a critical role in Uganda's stunning comeback. 

Kutumela has worked hard for his country, and his goal against Uganda was his third in this year's CHAN edition. 

A former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns player, Kutumela rose to the occasion when his team needed him the most, but in the end, he found himself on the losing side.

The free agent netted three goals in four matches in the tournament and he will not be short of keen admirers following his eye-catching displays in Uganda.

As South Africa ponders the lost chance to contest for CHAN glory, Uganda's hope of winning the continental title remains very much alive.