Bafana Bafana clawed their way back from a goal down to force a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Uganda during an at times nerve-raking 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Orlando Stadium on Friday night.
Uganda had thought that they were on the cusp of a famous victory in South Africa, but debutant Thalente Mbatha had other ideas and snatched the precious equaliser deep in the referee’s optional time to ensure a sharing of the spoils.
Bafana Bafana were in control in the first half and were rewarded when Lyle Foster beat Uganda goalkeeper Rashid Watenga to set the ball rolling in the 14th minute.
Coach Hugo Broos’ charges dominated proceedings during the period and should have increased their lead, such was their stranglehold on proceedings.
Bafana Bafana would rue those missed opportunities
Man of the match Oswin Appollis was having the time of life leading the Uganda rearguard a merry dance and it was a surprise that the home side only had Foster’s 14th minute strike to show for their trouble.
Broos’ charges would rue those missed opportunities as Uganda scored two quick second-half goals from Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato, stunning the generous Orlando Stadium crowd.
Tension grew inside the stadium as the game went past the 90-minute mark and into the referee’s optional time.
It was left up to Mbatha to break Uganda hearts and send Orlando Stadium into pandemonium.
Bafana Bafana now travel to South Sudan for their second AFCON qualifier on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.
Kick-off is at 15:00 (SA time).
