Uganda Cranes skipper Rogers Torach etched his name into national football folklore after holding his nerve to score a dramatic late penalty that sealed a 3-3 draw against South Africa and sent Uganda into the knockout stages of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time ever.
In a thrilling Group C finale at a fully packed Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the Cranes twice came from behind in front of their roaring fans. But when the moment of truth arrived with Uganda trailing 3-2 in the dying minutes, all eyes turned to Torach.
The captain stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot, sparking wild celebrations that swept through the stadium. Later he relived that moment during an exclusive interview with Footy-Uganda.
“As captain, I knew the responsibility was on me,” Torach said in the exclusive interview with Footy-Uganda. “The whole country was watching, and in that moment, I just told myself to stay calm. I’m proud that my goal has helped us make history.”
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Vipers’ playmaker Allan Okello and striker Jude Ssemugabi had earlier been on target for Uganda, but it was Torach’s decisive strike that sealed a milestone moment.
“This is more than just a goal, it’s a dream for Ugandan football,” the skipper added. “We’ve fallen short in the past, but today we proved we can fight until the last whistle. This team has the heart to go even further.”
Uganda, debuting in CHAN in 2011, had never progressed beyond the group stage. With belief surging, Torach’s leadership and composure have given the Cranes fresh hope of a deeper run at CHAN 2024.
