Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the African Nations Championship after squandering a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Uganda.
It was an encouraging start for Bafana, with Keagan Dolly in particular causing problems for the Cranes, and in the 11th minute, Dolly fired just wide of the goal.
But it was Uganda who almost took the lead four minutes later, but Samkelo Xulu pulled off a fine save to deny Abdul Karim Watambala.Â
After 18 minutes, Kegan Johannes had a chance to score but his header went just over the goal.Â
But it was Uganda who would get the ball in the back of the net, as they hit on the counter and Jude Ssemugabi made it 1-0 after 31 minutes.
Trailing at the break, Bafana came out firing in the second half, and although they needed VAR to confirm it, Rama Mphahlele’s equaliser came in the 56th minute.
Three minutes later they were in front, as Thabiso Kutumela scored his third of the tournament following a quick throw-in.Â
Bafana even made it 3-1 through Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who caught the Uganda goalkeeper off his line after an assist from Dolly in the 83rd minute.
But when several fans of the joint-hosts already streamed out of the stadium, the Cranes completed an incredible comeback.
First Uganda pulled one back to make it 3-2 via a penalty from Allan Okello, before VAR handed Uganda another spot-kick for a handball inside the box, which captain Rogers Torach slotted home to wild celebrations of the home crowd.
The point was enough for Uganda to secure top spot with seven points, while Bafana remained in third place on six points – level with Algeria but behind on goal difference.
