Uganda write a golden chapter in their history while Algeria scrap through
Uganda wrote a golden chapter in their football history on Monday night, clinching a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa in front of 34,194 fans at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The Cranes, who had never previously made it past the group stage in seven attempts, advanced as Group C winners on seven points, edging Algeria and South Africa in a dramatic finale that will live long in memory.
Jude Ssemugabi put Uganda ahead in the 31st minute, capitalising on Patrick Kakande’s clever assist. They carried the lead into half-time, but the game exploded into life after the break. South Africa roared back through Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s VAR-confirmed strike, before Thabiso Kutumela and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck to make it 3-1 with just minutes to play.
What looked like heartbreak for the hosts quickly turned into ecstasy. Allan Okello converted from the spot in the 86th minute, and deep into stoppage time Rogers Torach held his nerve from another penalty to level matters and send Kampala into raptures. The draw, coupled with Algeria’s tense 0-0 stalemate against Niger in Nairobi, sealed Uganda’s historic progress as group winners.
In Nairobi, Algeria knew a point would be enough and managed to grind it out against a spirited but already eliminated Niger side. Madjid Bougherra’s men had chances through Soufiane Bayazid and Mehdi Merghem, but it was Niger who almost snatched it late on through Abdoul-Latif Goumey. Despite the scare, Algeria’s six points and superior goal difference over South Africa saw them through as runners-up.
For South Africa, the tournament ended in agony despite their fightback in Kampala. Level on six points with Algeria, they bowed out on goal difference, undone by late drama. Guinea finished fourth on four points, while Niger exited without a single goal.
Uganda march on with momentum and belief, fuelled by the resilience shown on home soil. Algeria, though less convincing, carry tournament pedigree into the knockouts. South Africa depart with pride but also regret, while Niger’s campaign ended in frustration but with moments of defiance.
As the quarter-finals loom, Uganda’s dream run continues — and the Cranes will believe the best is still to come.
