On Friday, 11th October 2024, the Mandela National Stadium will be the battleground for a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier as Uganda Cranes host their neighbors, South Sudan.
Uganda, currently leading Group K with 4 points, aims to solidify their path to the AFCON tournament, while South Sudan is desperately seeking to register their first points of the qualifiers.
Under the stewardship of Paul Joseph Put, the Cranes have had a strong start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, opening with a 2-2 draw against South Africa in Johannesburg in a match that Uganda showed resilience by coming back twice, thanks to goals from forwards Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato.
The Cranes followed up with a commanding 2-0 victory over Congo in Kampala, with Aziz Kayondo and forward Jude Ssemugabi finding the back of the net.
Currently tied with South Africa at 4 points but holding the top spot on goal difference, Uganda’s campaign is progressing steadily, though there is no room for complacency.
Head coach Paul Put has managed to blend youth and experience within the squad, with solid performances coming from the defense marshaled by Bevis Mugabi and the ever-consistent Halid Lwaliwa alongside attacking threats from the likes of Travis Mutyaba and Denis Omedi.
Despite South Sudan’s struggles in this qualifying campaign having lost both of their opening matches against Congo (1-0) and South Africa (2-3), this is a team not to be underestimated.
Their squad features a number of Uganda-born players who have become standout figures for South Sudan, including striker Tito Okello, who previously played for Uganda Cranes before switching allegiance, alongside midfielders Gaddafi Wahab and defender Rashid Toha.
A win for Uganda would strengthen their position at the top of Group K, bringing them closer to securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON. However, dropping points in this match could complicate their path, especially with a tough return fixture against South Africa looming in the next round of qualifiers.
For South Sudan, this game is make or break. After two defeats, their hopes of qualifying for their first-ever AFCON tournament hang in the balance, and they will need to secure a result to keep their campaign alive.
The narrative surrounding the match goes beyond the typical rivalry it’s about pride, shared history, and the unique challenge of playing against a team composed of Ugandan-born stars. Both teams have much to prove, and as Friday approaches, the excitement and tension continue to build.
