By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha rose from the bench to dramatically salvage a point for Bafana Bafana for a 2-2 draw with Uganda in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group K qualifier encounter at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
Two brilliant goals in quick succession by Dennis Omedi and Rogers Mato in the 51st and 53rd minute respectively had thrust Uganda ahead to cancel a Lyle Foster strike 14 minutes into the match.
But Mbatha, on his Bafana debut, saved the day for the hosts deep into stoppage time when the East Africans appeared to have stolen maximum points.
After collecting a point on the road, the Cranes went second in Group K just below leaders Congo Brazzaville, who edged South Sudan on Thursday.
Bafana are now third in this pool after conceding two goals at home on an evening they were clearly not themselves.
South Africa coach Broos surprisingly started Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back Grant Kekana.
With Ronwen Williams unavailable due to injury, AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa was trusted to guard the sticks.
Golden Arrows goalkeeper Ismail Watenga manned the posts for Uganda and as early as two minutes, he was forced to repulse to safety an Oswin Appollis shot.
It was a promising start to the match by Bafana – rewarded when Khuliso Mudau released Foster, who beat an advancing Watenga trying to narrow his angle.
Appollis then had the Abafana Bes’thende custodian deny him again but this time in a face-to-face situation after being set up by captain Themba Zwane on 22 minutes.
Two minutes later, Elias Mokwana was surprised at how he missed the target with only Watenga to beat while at the end of a cross from Appollis.
Six minutes into the second half, Uganda pulled a goal back through an Omedi screamer from just outside the box.
The evening was then spiced up by Mato who unleashed a scorcher from just after the centerline and it was too hot for Mothwa, who fumbled it into the net.
The Usuthu stopper was now alert and parried a shot from just inside the box by substitute Allan Okello with 16 minutes to go.
Attempts to restore parity were met by frustration and Teboho Mokoena had his curling freekick going just wide.
Mbatha then made it two-apiece with a follow-up strike to Foster’s blocked shot five minutes into stoppage time.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana defender Siyabonga Ngezana trying to stop Uganda forward Rogers Mato.
Source: Uganda Cranes
