Uganda Cranes hoping for perfect start as they visit South Africa in AFCON Qualifiers
September 6, 2024
In their Group K match at Orlando Stadium in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications, Uganda will be looking to get off to a fantastic start against South Africa.
South Africa enters the match as the favorite due to their strong showing in the 2023 AFCON finals, where they defeated DR Congo 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time to finish third. Their goal is to compete in 12 continental tournaments.
In their most recent World Cup qualifying matches, Bafana Bafana also achieved victories over Zimbabwe (3-1 in June) and Nigeria (1-1) in a draw.
Under the direction of Belgian Paul Joseph Put, Uganda hopes to reclaim the continental championship after losing to Senegal in the round of 16.
After placing third in their qualifying group, the Cranes were unable to advance to the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, as Algeria and Tanzania made it through.
Uganda enters this game coming off a June World Cup qualifying loss to Algeria at home, 2-1. They had defeated Botswana by a slim margin of 1-0.
With five AFCON final appearances under his belt, Put is confident he can lead Uganda to their ninth AFCON final.
“I have been to 5 AFCON finals and I want to add to that number with this team. You are a group of young and undoubtedly very talented players. You have what it takes to qualify but you need to work hard for it because it will not be given to you just like that. You will have to fight for the right to be in Morocco next year and the fight starts this Friday against South Africa.” Said Put
H2H
Both teams have faced off in five previous meetings; Bafana Bafana is unbeaten against the Cranes with four wins, one draw, and defeated the Cranes 3-2 in an international friendly at Orlando Stadium in June 2021.
Team News and Injuries
The hosts will be without their captain Ronwen Williams and winger Percy Tau due to injury and personal issues, respectively. Uganda will be without the services of defenders Halid Lwaliwa and Kenneth Semakula due to visa issues, but they will be available against Congo on Monday.