Bafana Bafana crashed out of the African Nations Championship after a 3-3 draw against Uganda on Monday night.
African Nations Championship
Result: South Africa 3-3 Uganda
Date: 18 August 2025
Venue: Nelson Mandela Stadium
Bafana handed recalls to Kwanda Mngonyama and Terrence Mashego following the draw with Niger on Friday, as Kaketso Majadibodu and Tebogo Tlolane dropped to the bench.
Uganda had the first big opening after 14 minutes when Allan Olekllo surged into the box before teeing up Karim Watambala, who saw his first-time strike brilliantly turned away by goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
The host nation got their reward in the 32nd minute as a swift counter-attack ended with Patrick Kakande putting the ball on the plate for Jude Ssemugabi, who fired past Xulu from close range.
Bafana did push for the equaliser in the latter stages of the first half, but they found it tough to carve out any clear-cut openings before the halftime break.
South Africa bagged the equaliser seven minutes after the break when veteran defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele got on the end Mngonyama's knockdown and volleyed into the back of the net.
Bafana completed the turnaround in the 59th minute as Kutumela was slipped in down the right side and managed to fire home from a tight angle to take his tally to three goals at the tournament.
South Africa looked to have made the game safe with seven minutes left on the clock as Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo found the back of the net with a lovely finish from 30 yards out after the Ugandan goalkeeper had left his box.
However, Uganda reduced the deficit in the 88th minute when Okello converted a penalty following Kegan Johannes' foul, before they were awarded second penalty in time added on for a handball, which allowed Rogers Torach to step up and convert.
As a result, the point sees Uganda seal top spot in Group C while Bafana finish in third spot and are now eliminated.
Here's how the team lined up:
South Africa: Xulu, Mashego, Mphahlele, Mngonyama, Johannes, Jooste, Khoza, Ndlondlo, Dolly, Kutumela, Maema
Subs: Thuntsane, Mbanjwa, Molaoa, Majadibodu, Makaringe, Masuku, Dlambewu, Tloane, Masiya, Lepasa, Ngubane, Mashini
