This was quite an epic played in front of 34,000 ecstatic fans in Kampala and watched by thousands more around the country.

It confirmed the Cranes as group winners, alongside their fellow CHAN hosts, Tanzania and Kenya.

But all those watching had to endure seeing their heroes go 3-1 down before they fought back in a thunderous conclusion.

From the start it looked like Bafana Bafana would dominate and they controlled possession in the first period apart from a rare break from the home team.

The South Africans, who really needed a win, did go close when Uganda goalie Joel Mutakubwa misjudged a cross.  

But it was the Cranes who went ahead when the opposition’s defence was left exposed and Patrick Kakande broke down the left to set up striker Jude Ssemugabi who converted at the near post.

That ignited the crowd into delirious celebrations. 

Going in one up the home side had produced a fast counter attack when most of the SA team was still returning from their own corner.

But as you might imagine, SA coach Molefi Ntseki would have stirred up his charges in the interval and they soon turned the game around.

Firstly, when a cross shot came off the bar to be put in by defender Mphahlele.

Initially there was doubt about the goal’s validity before VAR eventually confirmed that it was legitimate.

Then, a couple of minutes later Thabiso Kutumela shot in from inside the area for 2-1,  stunning the home crowd into silence.

They knew a loss would mean exit for the Ugandans (as Algeria were doing enough to qualify from the other match in the group)

It seemed Bafana Bafana, with a solid representation from Mamelodi Sundowns, were in control.

Especially when midfielder Ndlondlo brilliantly chipped in above retreating defenders, from 25 yards, after Mutakubwa had ventured too far out of his goal.

With Uganda 3-1 down and about seven minutes remaining many of the locals headed for the exits.

Only for thunderous noise to signal the award of a penalty for the home team, following an injudicious push in the area.

Top scorer, and fan favourite, Allan Okello, of SC Vipers,dispatched the spot kick.

That gave us a monumental last eight minutes of added time.

And the final drama, perhaps inevitably decided by VAR, with the Burkina Faso referee consulting the onfield monitor before signalling that a SA defender had handled a cross.

It was given and, with Okello now substituted, Cranes captain Rogers Torach stepped forward  to drive home the penalty and make it 3-3.

Although the South Africans still managed some very late pressure it was not enough.

They would slump to the ground on the final whistle while the home fans danced their way home.(to celebrate long into the night)

It was the first time the Ugandans had progressed so far in CHAN and they joined the other joint hosts in the last eight amid much regional enjoyment.

Perhaps one of the three just might lift the trophy on 30 August in Nairobi.

Report from crazy Kampala –  John Bethell