Uganda Cranes Near AFCON 2025 Qualification with 1-0 Win Over South Sudan

On Friday, Uganda Cranes made one giant leap to AFCON 2025 qualification with a narrow 1-0 win against South Sudan. Under floodlights at the Mandela National Stadium, a goal by Bevis Mugabi ensured the crucial three points that moved Uganda to second place in Group K. With only one win required to seal qualification, the road to the AFCON finals is now a sight for Uganda.

The Winning Goal: Mugabi’s Heroics

Bevis Mugabi delivered the decisive moment in the 47th minute when he reacted quickly to slot in a rebound, following a saved header from Jude Ssemugabi. The goal electrified the home crowd and set Uganda on course for an important win in their 2025 AFCON Qualifying campaign.

Key Moments of the Match

Uganda began the match struggling to break down a resilient South Sudan defense. Alfred Leku’s effort, in the 26 minute from South Sudan, was well saved by goalkeeper Isima Watenga as Uganda’s attack remained blunt with no shots on target in the first half.

After the break, Mugabi’s goal had changed momentum, but South Sudan continued to push for the equalizer. Paul Pal Puk Kun’s effort was dramatically cleared off the line by Halid Lwaliwa in the dying minutes, securing the 1-0 victory for Uganda.

Uganda’s Qualification Path

With this win, Uganda Cranes moved to second place in Group K with 7 points, trailing only South Africa. They need one more win, likely in their rematch against South Sudan in Juba, to secure a place at AFCON 2025, scheduled to be held in Morocco.

Team Line-Ups

Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Watenga (GK), Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halid Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho (Captain), Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Mato.

South Sudan XI: Juma Jenaro Awad Amuk (GK, Captain), Paul Pal Puk Kun, David Majak Chan, William Emmanuel Gama Kundu, Loki Emmanuel Peter Loki, Gordon Samuel Taban, Joseph Malik Manase, Gadafi Wahab Thiago, Benjamin Laku Lotelek, Alfred Leku Freedom, Okocha Rashid Thomas Ladu

Player Performances and Ratings

• Isima Watenga (7.0): A solid performance, denying Alfred Leku and making key saves.

• Kenneth Ssemakula (5.0): Hesitant going forward and struggled defensively.

• Aziz Kayondo (6.0): Contributed well defensively and in attack with dangerous crosses.

• Bevis Mugabi (6.5): Scored the winning goal but had a tough time defensively.

• Halid Lwaliwa (6.0): Defensively solid, especially with his late goal-line clearance.

• Ronald Ssekiganda (4.0): Struggled in midfield and was substituted at halftime.

• Khalid Aucho (6.0): Booked for dissent but showed improvement in the second half.

• Travis Mutyaba (4.0): Lacking match fitness and was substituted at the break.

• Rogers Mato (4.0): Worked hard but was wasteful with possession.

• Denis Omedi (5.0): Found his rhythm after switching positions in the second half.

• Jude Ssemugabi (6.0): His headed effort led to the winning goal.

• Allan Okello (7.0): His introduction changed the game, delivering the assist for the goal.

• Bobosi Byaruhanga (6.0): A solid substitute appearance, although his passing was inconsistent.

What’s Next for Uganda Cranes?

The Cranes now look ahead to a critical rematch in Juba, South Sudan. Coach Paul Put will, therefore, be keen to ensure that with qualification hanging in the balance, improvement in attacking play paves the way for one all-important victory that would see them through into AFCON 2025.