Uganda Stars Rush to Kiss VAR Machine After Eliminating South Africa, Video
- Uganda Cranes are through to the knockout stage of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024
- The players were captured rushing to kiss the VAR machine after a 3-3 draw with South Africa secured their quarter-final ticket
- Allan Okello’s 86th-minute penalty and a stoppage-time spot-kick by Rogers Torach ensured a dramatic draw, as Bafana Bafana crashed out
There was drama at the ongoing CHAN after Uganda Cranes players rushed to kiss the VAR machine following a dramatic draw with South Africa.
Uganda's national football team B etched their name in the tournament's history, after clinching a dramatic 3-3 draw against Bafana Bafana's team B to secure a maiden quarter-final berth as Group C winners.
Needing only a draw to advance, the Cranes opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Jude Ssemugabi’s clinical strike, assisted by Patrick Kakande.
Source: Twitter
The East Africans held firm until half-time, but South Africa roared back after the break, as they were desperate to salvage themselves.
A VAR-awarded goal by Ramahlwe Mphahlele in the 52nd minute levelled the score, and this was followed by Thabiso Kutumela’s sharp finish and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s stunning long-range effort, putting Bafana Bafana 3-1 up by the 83rd minute.
Uganda were on the verge of elimination, but they were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute after Ivan Ahimbisibwe was fouled, reigniting hope.
And there was drama in stoppage time, as Menzi Masuku's handball in the danger area prompted another VAR-checked penalty. Rogers Torach stepped up to take it to ensure it ended 3-3.
At the sound of the final whistle, the stadium erupted, with the Cranes rushing to the VAR monitor as they planted kisses on the machine in a dramatic fashion.
The result, coupled with Algeria’s 0-0 draw against Niger, saw Uganda top Group C with seven points, edging out Algeria and South Africa on six points, but Bafana Bafana were eliminated on goal difference, per CAF.
Footage of the player's post-match celebrations has since gone viral on the internet.
Sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who shared the clip on his X handle, added the caption:
"@osasuo but for the decision of Burkinabe referee Vincent Kabore to point to the penalty spot, after a VAR review, the
"@UgandaCranes would have been eliminated from the #TotaEnergiesCHAN2024. Is it a surprise that they are kissing the VAR machine, in profound gratitude?"
@Jsephlinga1 replied:
"Our first time to have VAR in UG and been justified. Congratulations Crane lads."
@AloysiousK said:
"That's why VAR is very important, it would be incompetence for the center man to sleep on the job."
@ProbChild256
"You must be an amateur at this sport! Lay low... instead of embarrassing yourself!"
@Mongareokiro1
"This Uganda v South Africa game is pure drama. Two penalties awarded to Uganda.
"South Africa were trailing then equalised and scored two. Couldn't kill the game. When you're ahead just clear the ball."
@nicolas_balo2 posited:
"Uganda cranes qualify to chan quarter finals after a 3-3 draw with South Africa thank you VAR, our boys and God Uganda is blessed for God and my country."
Source: Twitter
Nigeria crash out of CHAN
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria’s home-based football team have also been eliminated from CHAN after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Sudan.
The result not only confirmed the Super Eagles' early elimination from the tournament but also etched their name in the record books for the wrong reasons.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
