South Africa salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to Group K rivals Uganda in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday evening.
Bafana Bafana completely dominated the first half and opened the scoring via Lyle Foster, but a failure to convert several other scoring chances cost them dearly, with the Cranes roaring back in the second stanza via two stunning long-range goals.
The hosts looked to be on course for a defeat, but substitute Thalente Mbatha struck a debut goal five minutes into injury time to salvage a draw.
South Africa mounted several promising attacks in the early minutes, with Oswin Appollis twice drawing saves from Uganda goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
And the hosts capitalised on their pressure in the 14th minute when Khuliso Mudaus stabbed through ball set up Lyle Foster, who opened the scoring with a somewhat scruffy finish which rebounded between the goalkeeper and him before rolling into the goal.
