Uganda Cranes end 2025 AFCON qualifiers with win over Congo

The Uganda Cranes wrapped up their AFCON Qualification campaign with a 1-0 victory against Congo Brazzaville at the Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium in Brazzaville. Young talent Travis Mutyaba netted the crucial goal for the team coached by Paul Put, ensuring a well-deserved win.

Calvin Kabuye, a forward based in Sweden, made his long-awaited debut for the Cranes in one of the five adjustments Put made from the previous starting lineup against South Africa.

Ten minutes into the match, captain Khalid Aucho was substituted due to an injury and replaced by Bobosi Byaruhanga.

The Congolese team tested the Ugandan defense looking for an early goal, but Ismail Watenga rose to the occasion with several key saves.

Uganda had opportunities through attacks led by Rogers Mato, Mutyaba, Omedi, and Kabuye, yet they were unable to convert any into goals.

Mutyaba eventually broke the stalemate in the 52nd minute, taking advantage of a quickly taken corner kick by Denis Omedi.

Mutyaba skillfully evaded his defender and executed a precise low shot that found the net, giving Uganda a 1-0 advantage.

Subsequently, both teams had chances to score, with the hosts earnestly seeking an equalizer, which ultimately did not materialize. Mutyaba, Mato, and substitute Steven Mukwala all missed opportunities to secure the game.

Mukwala came on for Kabuye in the 81st minute and had a one-on-one chance in the four minutes of added time.

Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Semakula received yellow cards in the first and second halves, respectively.

Uganda concluded the group stage in second place on the Group K table with 13 points, just one behind group leaders South Africa, who achieved a 3-0 victory over South Sudan in a concurrent match.

Uganda Cranes XI; Isma Watenga (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaliwa, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho (Bobosi Byaruhanga), Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Calvin Kabuye (Steven Mukwala), Denis Omedi

Unused Subs; Nafian Alionzi, Charles Lukwago, Geofrey Wasswa, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Allan Okello, Aziz Kayondo, Hakim Kiwanuka, Jude Ssemugabi, Tadeo Lwanga, John Paul Dembe