Uganda Qualifies for CHAN 2024 Quarter-Finals, Avoids Harambee Stars’ Path
- Uganda scored two late penalties to salvage their CHAN 2024 campaign and qualify for the quarter-finals
- South Africa looked set to qualify at the expense of the co-hosts until two penalties changed the fortune of the Cranes
- We take a look at what this means for Uganda and Kenya, who face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday
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Uganda dramatically qualified for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) quarter-finals after drawing with South Africa 3-3.
Source: Twitter
The Cranes came from behind to get the crucial point that helped them win Group C at the Namboole Stadium in Kampala.
How Uganda qualified for CHAN 2024 quarter-finals
At one point, it looked like they were heading out after South Africa took a commanding 3-1 lead.
Jude Ssemugabi had given Uganda the lead after 31 minutes with a cool finish from a Patrick Kakande cross.
After the break, Bafana Bafana scored two goals inside six minutes through Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thabiso Kutumela to give them the lead.
The result was damaging for Uganda as Algeria was drawing against Niger in the other group decider at Nyayo Stadium in Niger.
It went from bad to worse for the Cranes after Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo capitalised on a mistake from Uganda goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa to give South Africa a two-goal cushion with seven minutes to go.
VAR to the rescue for South Africa
Ugandan fans in the stadium started leaving, but the game was turned on its head by two penalty decisions.
Allan Okello dispatched the first penalty in the 88th minute before Rogers Torach scored the second penalty in stoppage time to level things up.
The result, coupled with Niger frustrating Algeria in Nairobi, ensured Uganda finished on top of Group C with seven points.
"I recall that at the start of the tournament, we lost our first game. It was a sad moment, but we kept believing. Today, here we are, through to the next stage," said Uganda's head coach via CAF's website.
Algeria also qualified as the runners-up with six points, the same as South Africa, but they had a better goal difference.
"Our group was tough, and you can see that qualification came in the last game. It shows that the level has become high in the CHAN. Now we have three finals coming, and we have to win a game at a time. Definitely the quarter-final will be harder, but we must maintain our focus," said Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra.
Source: Getty Images
Who will Uganda play in the quarter-finals?
Morley Byekwaso's charges will now face whoever finishes second in Group D at the Namboole Stadium on August 23.
Group D will conclude their matches on Tuesday evening, with Sudan and Senegal leading with four points each.
The two teams face off at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar while Congo, who have two points, play an already-eliminated Nigeria in Tanzania.
"I don’t go into games to defend. The best way to defend is to attack. We’re playing for goals. There are 11 players in each team; why should we stay back? Whether it’s at the CHAN, AFCON, or the World Cup qualifiers, I intend to win," said Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah.
Congo will be through if they beat the Super Eagles and the other game ends in a win for one team.
What does Uganda's result mean for Kenya?
By winning their group, Kenya and Uganda won't face each other until the final.
Harambee Stars play Madagascar in the quarter-finals, and if they win, they will play the winner of the game between whoever finishes first in Group D and Algeria in the semi-finals.
Uganda, meanwhile, will play either Tanzania or Morocco in the semi-finals at Namboole Stadium, which is a big motivation.
McCarthy aims dig at Tanzania
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy took a swipe at Tanzania after qualifying for the quarter-finals.
The former Amazulu coach masterminded a gritty 1-0 win over Morocco with a man disadvantage and has now taunted Tanzania to do something similar.
Tanzania and Morocco will play on August 22 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
