AFCON Qualifiers: Bafana leave it late to earn thrilling 2-2 draw against Uganda

Bafana dominated the opening half only for the Cranes to score two long-range bombs, forcing the hosts to rally in the dying embers of the match.

South Africa enjoyed a couple of early opening chances, with Oswin Appollis' educated right foot forcing two saves from Uganda gloveman Ismail Watenga.

Continuing the momentum, the hosts would score in the 13th minute.  A superb through-ball from Khuliso Mudau would put striker Lyle Foster in behind the Ugandans with just the keeper to beat and a deft touch over Watenga cued celebrations from the home fans.

Bafana should have gone two goals up after some silky passing which saw that man Appollis in space deep in the box, who then laid it back beautifully for Elias Mokwana. The winger could have put it anywhere but found Watenga's flailing arms instead.

Foster had another chance off his right foot, but Watenga pulled off a superlative diving save to his left to deny the Burnley forward.

South Africa continued to control proceedings, with scant few attacking opportunities for the visitors, keeping it 1-0 as the teams headed to the break.

Early in the second stanza, the Cranes struck back in fine style, netting two goals in a matter of minutes. First, the visitors managed to pinch the ball off the South Africans and instead of pressing, striker Denis Omeda tapped it forward and unleashed a wonder strike from 30 yards out that beat  Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa to the top right corner.

Then three minutes later, Rogers Mato thought he saw Mothwa off his line and let loose from just over the halfway line. Mothwa adjusted to cover, but an error in judgement saw the powerful shot go straight through his hands above his head, giving Uganda a surprise lead.  

Bafana pressed looking for the equaliser, with Siyabonga Ngezana coming close with a header from a corner.

With 12 minutes to go, Teboho Mokoena stood over a free kick from just outside the box. His curling effort would just go past the right-hand post and pressure remained on the hosts.

Deep into extra time, the aptly named Thalente Mbatha would save South Africa's blushes. Collecting a rebounded shot, the debutant's strike would collect the inside of the post and find the back of the net in the 95th minute.

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