By 
Contrasting thoughts came to minds of Ugandans back at home as they witnessed their side draw 2-2 in the opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
Either it was a point earned or two lost is a story for another with an agreement having arrived that all the Four (4) goals in the game were all beautiful goals.
Despite Burnley striker Lyle Foster putting the Bafana Bafana ahead as early as the 15th minute slot the ball past Cranes goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
Towards the first stanza close, Khuliso Mudau of South Africa mishandled Rogers Mato an action that saw referee relisha yellow card, one many thought could easily have turned into red.
With a couple of saves from Cranes shot stopper Watenga, the team from Kampala managed to push on till the stroke of halftime.
In the second stanza, Denis Omedi brought Uganda back on level terms five minutes into the half with a unexpected hit outside the box after he was given acres of space.
Two minutes later, Rogers Mato shot a ball from a very long distance, a few steps from the center line, only for South African goalkeeper Veli Mothwa to mishold the ball which propelled into the goal and silence the home crowd.
This strike took the Cranes 2-1 up and it’s fans in an exclusively happy state but realistically sent the players in a more defensive mode.
However, a few minutes later, Mothwa managed to deny Uganda it’s third of the day after stopping a beautifully curled effort by substitute Allan Okello.
Deep into stoppage time, another substitute on the side of South Africa Mbatha found the back of the net with a shot off the bottom left post after Uganda failed to clear their lines.
This result meant Uganda’s AFCON qualification campaign lay in third in the group after collecting a point.
In the other group game, Congo beat South Sudan group after a 1-0.
Therefore the Cranes, will return to the country and turn their focus to their home fixture against group leaders Congo Brazzaville at Namboole Stadium on Monday
