Uganda Cranes Edge South Sudan in Anticipated AFCON 2025 Qualifier

In a crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier at Mandela National Stadium, Uganda Cranes emerged victorious over South Sudan with a 1-0 win, taking a significant step towards securing a place in the continental showpiece next year. The highly anticipated match was a tactical battle, with Uganda dominating on both front playing with intensity and urgency, but it was Uganda’s second-half adjustments that ultimately delivered the winning goal.

Tactical Shifts and Strong Performances

Uganda Cranes arrived in this game with renewed confidence after impressive performances in their previous outings against South Africa and Congo. Head coach Paul Put, known for his bold decisions, made two notable changes to his defensive line. He rested Capradosi Elio and brought in Halid Lwaliwa, who had scored against South Sudan the last time the two teams met in Uganda. Jude Semugabi also got his first start for the Cranes up front.

From the outset, Uganda had the majority of possession and looked the more creative team going forward. Rogers Mato, who dazzled with his dribbling and ball control, made several threatening runs through South Sudan’s 18-yard box, but his efforts were either blocked or cleared for throw-ins. Denis Omedi also came close with a powerful shot that sailed wide, as Uganda continued to press.

South Sudan, however, had a clear tactical game plan to absorb pressure and exploit Uganda’s defensive gaps on the break. Their best chance came when Uganda’s back line was caught flat-footed. After a cleared corner kick, South Sudan striker Thomas Tom Magor found himself in a dangerous position, charging into Uganda’s 16-yard box with a low shot. Uganda’s goalkeeper, Isima Watenga, was quick to react, making a crucial save to keep the game goalless at the break.

Tactical Masterstroke from Paul Put

At halftime, Paul Put made key tactical changes that shifted the momentum in Uganda’s favor. He replaced defensive midfielder Sekiganda with the more attacking Bobosi Byaruhanga and introduced Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba, who had played well but lacked the same creative spark.

These changes immediately impacted the game. Okello’s influence was felt right away when he won a corner kick. He took the set-piece himself, delivering an inch-perfect ball into the box. The corner was expertly swerved in and found Jude Semugabi, whose header was brilliantly saved by South Sudan’s goalkeeper, Juma Jenaro Amuk. However, the rebound fell to Brevis Mugabi, who pounced on the loose ball and calmly slotted it in for the opening goal, sending the crowd into raptures.

Defending the Lead

With the lead secured, Uganda’s defense stood strong against South Sudan’s pressure. The visitors continued to threaten, particularly through the talented Okocha from Nec FC, who delivered dangerous crosses into the Cranes’ box. However, Uganda’s backline, including the ever-lively Aziz Kayondo on the left wing and the commanding Khalid Aucho in midfield, dealt with the danger effectively.

Kayondo was especially impressive, constantly overlapping on the left, creating space, and providing an outlet for Uganda’s attack. Aucho controlled the midfield, winning key tackles and distributing the ball with precision, ensuring South Sudan had little time to build any sustained pressure.

Closer to AFCON 2025

With the win, Uganda Cranes have moved closer to securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, sitting at the top of the group on 7 points, ahead of South Africa on head-to-head. South Africa, who thrashed Congo 5-0 in their match, remain in second place. The Cranes will now head to Juba for the return leg on the 14th, knowing that a positive result there will guarantee their place in the tournament.

The Cranes will take heart from their solid defensive display, the influence of key players like Okello and Kayondo, and the tactical adjustments that turned the game in their favor. With just one more hurdle to overcome, Uganda is on the verge of returning to Africa’s biggest stage, and the team is poised to make the most of the opportunity.

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

USED:46’ Bobosi Byaruhanga On, Ronald Ssekiganda Out. 46’ Allan Okello On, Travis Mutyaba Out

SUBS:Nafian Alionzi (G.K), Charles Lukwago (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Dennis Awany, Arnold Odong, Tadeo Lwanga, Shafik Kwikiriza, Steven Mukwala, Calvin Kabuye

South Sudan XI: Juma Jenaro Awad Amuk (G.K, 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

61’ Atendele Mawa Christopher Lokosang On, Gordon Samuel Taban Out,61’ Madit Mayor Madit On, Gadafi Wahab Thiago Out,78’ Francis Onekalit Odong Lazarus On, Alfred Leku Freedom Out,78’ Pal Paul Puk Kun On, Benjamin Laku Lotelek Out

SUBS;Nicolas Madeng Abileny (G.K), Charles Ouma Sila, Rehan Angier Malong, Ebon Malish Ezibon Wajo, Paul America Jawa Mara, Yohanna Paulino Juma, Thomas Tom Magor