South Africa needed a late goal to snatch a vital 2-2 draw against Uganda in their Group opener of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

Bafana Bafana were the better side from the opening exchanges and they looked to take advantage of the superb start by going for an early goal. Themba Zwane, who was the captain of the day with regular and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams out injured, forced Uganda goalkeeper Ismail Watenga into a great save in the ninth minute.

However, in the 14th minute, Watenga could do nothing to stop Lyle Foster from putting Bafana Bafana ahead against the run of play. A cross from Zwane found the unmarked Foster, who did not waste time by finding the back of the net.

Beofre the goal, South Africa defender Siyabonga Ngezana had gone into the referee’s book for a clumsy challenge on Steven Mukwala. Uganda had a great opportunity to draw level in the 23rd minute when midfielder Khalid Aucho released Mukwala with a defense-splitting pass but the player hit a low shot which went inches wide.

Sphephelo Sithole then almost doubled Bafana Bafana’s lead after being put through by Zwane, who had a great game, but Wetenga came out of his line to clear the danger. At the start of the second half, Uganda coach Paul Put made a change, Travis Mutyaba coming out for Allan Okello.

And it was Okello, who initiated a move from the middle of play that resulted into Uganda’s leveller in the 51st minute, exchanging passes with Ronald Ssekiganda before the latter setting up Denis Omedi, who rolled the ball past Veli Mothwa.

Two minutes later, Orlando Stadium was stunned after Uganda took the lead for the first time in the game. Okello was once again the architect, this time finding Rogers Mato with a fine cross, and the latter never wasted time as he scored past Mothwa.

However, substitute Thalente Mbatha scored in the 95th minute to rescue a point for Bafana Bafana.

South Africa starting XI: Veli Mothwa, Aubrey Modiba, Rushwin Dortley, Rushwin Dortley, Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Themba Zwane, Elias Mokwana, Lyle Foster.

Uganda starting XI: Ismail Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Aziz Kayondo. Aziz Kayondo, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Khalid Aucho, Denis Omedi, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato.