Uganda vs South Sudan: Key AFCON Qualifier at Mandela Stadium

Uganda vs South Sudan is set to be a thrilling 2025 AFCON Qualifier match at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. The duel is of great importance to Uganda, fully intent on concrete assurance in Group K for the call to fuel their ambition of securing a highly coveted spot in the 2025 AFCON event scheduled to take place in Morocco.

Admittedly, the stakes are high since Uganda missed their last two AFCON tournaments in 2021 and 2023. This qualifier presents a golden chance for the Cranes to return to the continental stage and redeem the country’s pride in football. A win in this game not only retains the improved standing of Uganda at the top of the group but also needs to give the morale the team will carry into the second leg of this doubleheader against South Sudan.

Uganda’s Strong Start

Uganda Cranes lead Group K with four points that tie them in balance with South Africa courtesy of a win over Congo and a draw against Bafana Bafana (South Africa). The back-to-back matches against South Sudan could thus propel the Ugandan’s close to qualifying for the AFCON after missing out on the last two previous editions. The new coach Paul Put has injected some new life into the team, and morale is high with the return of star players Derrick Nsibambi and Taddeo Lwanga.

South Sudan’s Challenge

South Sudan faces an uphill battle, sitting at the bottom of Group K without a point after losses to Congo and South Africa. Missing key players due to injuries, like captain Peter Manyang and Joseph Dhata, South Sudan’s hopes rest on the shoulders of its Ugandan-descended stars like Tito Okello and Rashid Toha. Despite the odds, South Sudan is determined to challenge Uganda’s position in the group.

Uganda vs South Sudan: Key Players to Watch

For Uganda, Derrick Nsibambi’s return may prove to be a game changer for them. This gives a wealth of experience in the Cranes’ forward line with Steven Mukwala and Rogers Mato supporting. Taddeo Lwanga’s midfield presence also adds stability.

For South Sudan, Tito Okello remains a key attacking threat although his team has been struggling in this competition to replicate the AFCON heroics in 2020 against Uganda

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Uganda has dominated South Sudan in head-to-head matches, winning five out of their six encounters. The most notable victory was a 4-0 win in 2012, but South Sudan also claimed a memorable 1-0 win during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers.

Historically, Uganda has enjoyed head-to-head dominance, coming out atop in five of the six matches between the two, the most notable being the 4-0 victory in 2012, while South Sudan’s memorable win was one achieved in the AFCON 2021 qualifier, 1-0.

Uganda vs South Sudan: Predicted Lineups

Uganda: Ismail Watenga, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziz Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Denis Omedi, Travis Mutyaba, Derrick Nsibambi, Rogers Mato.

South Sudan: Majak Mawith, Rashid Okocha, Geriga Atendele, Pal Paul Puk, Rashid Toha, Nelson Victor, William Gama, Tito Okello, David Majak, Yuel Kuach, Madit Mayor.