Uganda Cranes will be looking to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they take on South Sudan in a crucial return leg on Tuesday, 15th October, at Juba Stadium, South Sudan.
This match marks a critical point in Group K of the qualifiers, with Uganda tied on seven points alongside group leaders South Africa.
Meanwhile, South Sudan has yet to secure any points after four matches, and they will be desperate to reverse their fortunes in front of their home crowd in Juba.
Speaking ahead of the match, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put expressed his belief in the team’s readiness while acknowledging the challenges they are likely to face in Juba. “We know it’s gonna be a tough game,”
Put said in his pre-match interview. “South Sudan is playing at home, and they’ll be looking for revenge after losing the first leg. If we’re not mentally prepared, it will be a very difficult afternoon.”
Despite the challenges, Put remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness. “I think and I am sure that my team has everything in the head to know that it will be a very difficult match. But we’ve prepared well, and we know what to expect. It’s all about staying focused and executing the game plan.”
A victory in Juba would not only complete a double over South Sudan but also significantly boost Uganda’s qualification prospects.
Uganda is currently positioned second in Group K with two wins and one draw. Securing maximum points from this fixture could help them leapfrog South Africa, depending on other results, and strengthen their place in the race for AFCON 2025 qualification.
For Uganda, this campaign represents an opportunity to return to AFCON after their participation in recent editions, including their memorable run to the knockout stages in 2019.
The team has been blending experienced players like Bevis Mugabi and Khalid Aucho with emerging talents, and this balance has been key to their solid performances so far in the qualifiers.
On the other hand, South Sudan enters the match knowing that their qualification hopes hang by a thread. Despite their struggles in the group, the South Sudanese squad will have the advantage of home support, with the Juba Stadium expected to be packed with passionate fans urging their team on.
The match at Juba Stadium is set to be a hard-fought contest, with the Ugandan side aware that a win would take them closer to realizing their AFCON ambitions, while South Sudan will be out to make life difficult for their East African rivals. As the battle for group K intensifies, Tuesday’s match could be a pivotal moment in the journey to AFCON 2025.
