Soccer
Late VAR drama sinks Bafana in Kampala─── MORGAN PIEK 08:10 Tue, 19 Aug 2025
It was heartbreak for Bafana Bafana on Monday night as they crashed out of the 2025 African Nations Championship after a dramatic 3-3 draw with co-hosts Uganda in Kampala.
Bafana were cruising towards a 3-1 victory over the Cranes at a packed Mandela National Stadium before late drama saw the home side awarded two penalties to snatch a draw – a result that wasn’t enough for South Africa to advance.
The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when Jude Ssemugabi put Uganda in front, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.
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?? ????: Bafana Bafana have increased their leading margin!
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?? https://t.co/hibb8lgo8P#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/YqW1Rq43I7— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 18, 2025
Seven minutes into the second half, Ramahlwe Mphahlele levelled matters for South Africa, firing home a loose ball in the box after a free-kick from the right. Just six minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela gave Bafana the lead with a sharp finish from a tight angle following a throw-in.
With seven minutes left on the clock, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo extended the lead, lobbing the ball into the net from outside the area to make it 3-1 and seemingly put the result beyond doubt.
But the game was far from over. With two minutes of regulation time remaining, Allan Okello pulled one back for Uganda from the penalty spot. Then, deep into stoppage time, controversy erupted when the VAR reviewed a possible handball in the Bafana box. After consulting the pitch-side monitor, the referee awarded another penalty, despite the VAR not providing substantial evidence of the infringement.
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?? ????: Uganda have equalized after being awarded a penalty following VAR review!
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?? https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE
?? https://t.co/hibb8lgo8P#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/ARtgaSHF3V— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 18, 2025
Rogers Torach calmly slotted past Siyanda Xulu in the 96th minute to seal the equaliser and send Uganda through to the quarter-finals at South Africa’s expense.
After the match, a visibly frustrated Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki declined to comment on the officiating, instead praising his players’ efforts.
“They showed their commitment and understood that they were playing for their country,” said the Botshabelo-born tactician.
“In football, there are always three possible results – unfortunately, we got one we didn’t want. We wanted to win, but it wasn’t to be.
“As for the future, I believe the country can be proud of these players. We brought the best, and they gave everything in this tournament. I can’t fault any of them for their performance or their commitment. As a coach and as part of this team representing South Africa, I am very proud of them.”
In the other Group C match on Monday night, defending champions Algeria were held to a goalless draw by Niger – a result that saw the Desert Foxes join Uganda in the CHAN Tournament playoffs.
