Bafana Bafana exit CHAN in dramatic fashion

Bafana eliminated from CHAN at the death

Photo: BackpagePix

The South African national team has been eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after playing to a thrilling 3-3 draw against co-hosts Uganda in their penultimate group C match.

With a spot in the knockout stages at stake, it was the Uganda cranes who drew first blood through striker Jude Ssemugabi in the half hour mark, ensuring the home team goes into the half time break with a one goal cushion.

Molefi Ntseki’s men came guns blazing in the second stanza as experienced center-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele leveled matters in the 52nd minute, before red hot Thabiso Kutumela gave Bafana Bafana the lead six minutes later.

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who was recently announced as a new signing by Marumo Gallants, thought he put the game to bed with a curler in the 83rd minute. However, highly rated Uganda playmaker Allan Okello set up a nervy ending after converting from the spot two minutes from time.

While the visitors looked set to progress to the quarterfinals, Uganda was awarded another penalty, much to the discontent of the South African entourage. Vipers SC defender, Rogers Torach slotted home to salvage a crucial point.

As a result, Uganda advanced to the next stage of the competition as group C leaders with seven points accumulated, while Bafana finished in third place, level on points with second-placed Algeria, who have a superior goal difference.

With a host of players in the squad currently unattached to any club, Ntseki’s troops drew against Algeria in their opening match, followed by a win against Guinea and a draw with Niger prior to facing Uganda.

The free agents, including Keagan Dolly, Wayde Jooste, Mphahele, Zakhele Lepasa, Fortune Makaringe, Menzi Masuku, Tebogo Tlolane and Kutumela, who scored three goals at the tournament will now shift their focus to securing their future.