Namboole Stadium, Kampala – Uganda’s road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was cemented in dramatic fashion, thanks to South Sudan’s crucial 3-2 victory over Congo Brazzaville. The win propelled Uganda Cranes to the top of Group K with 10 points, securing their qualification with two games to spare. As the Cranes prepare to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana today at Namboole Stadium, FUFA President Moses Magogo emphasized the importance of a win to enhance Uganda’s FIFA rankings.
“We are grateful to God that we have qualified, but I have told the boys that we need to win against South Africa. It will be good for our rankings,” Magogo stated.
South Sudan’s Role in Uganda’s Success
South Sudan’s efforts proved pivotal in Uganda’s qualification journey. Their unexpected victory over Congo eliminated any lingering doubts, preventing a high-stakes final match between Uganda and Congo. Prior to this, Uganda had recorded key victories in Group K, including a gritty 1-0 win against South Sudan at Namboole, courtesy of Bevis Mugabi’s goal, and a 2-1 victory over Sudan. However, a 1-1 draw between South Africa and Congo had momentarily delayed Uganda’s path to qualification.
South Sudan’s recent performance means Uganda enters today’s match against South Africa with less pressure, but the Cranes aim to capitalize on this opportunity to demonstrate dominance.
Regional Pride and Unity
The impact of South Sudan’s win transcends football. Anzo Roberto Lagu, a South Sudanese international student at Makerere University, shared his pride:
“Watching my country play such a crucial role in Uganda’s AFCON qualification was a proud moment. It’s not just about football—it’s about uniting the region and bringing joy. I’m thrilled for Uganda and can’t wait to see the Cranes shine in Morocco.”
Uganda’s AFCON Legacy
Uganda Cranes have a rich history in AFCON, dating back to their debut in 1962. After decades of highs and lows, the team ended a 39-year AFCON drought in 2017 under coach Micho Sredojevic. In 2019, under Sebastien Desabre, the Cranes reached the round of 16, bowing out to Senegal. Now, under coach Paul Put, Uganda eyes a strong performance in Morocco in 2025, aiming to showcase their growth on Africa’s biggest football stage.
The Task Ahead
With both Uganda and South Africa already qualified, today’s match serves as a test of form and rankings. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa echoed national pride, tweeting, “Huge congrats, lads @UgandaCranes! Looking forward to raising the bar even higher tomorrow against @BafanaBafana.”
For Uganda, it’s not just about celebrating qualification—it’s about sending a clear message to the continent ahead of AFCON 2025.