Uganda’s National team, The Cranes on Tuesday evening edged South Sudan 2-1 in its capital Juba to step one foot into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals that will be held in Morocco next year.
Goals from Kitara FC’s Denis Omedi and an own goal from Ugandan-born Alfred Leku ensured the Cranes return to Kampala with a crucial win, thanks to the double-header win over its neighbours South Sudan.
Omedi opened the lead for the visitors just 15 minutes into the match with a fine finish assisted by Allan Okello, but his strike was 6 minutes later cancelled out by a blistering strike from Yohanna Juma assisted by Leku to end the first half in a stalemate.
But the assister later inadvertently headed the ball into his own net to give Uganda Cranes a deserved victory on the road which sends them summit of Group K with 10 points.
Albeit a draw or victory for Congo Brazzaville (3 points) in the upcoming header against second-placed South Africa (7) points, Uganda is all but qualified for the 35th edition of the continental tourney which will be hosted by North African giants Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.
The potential qualification of Uganda Cranes with two matches is poised to mark a significant achievement after missing out on the last two tournaments (2021, 2023), the last of such appearances coming five years ago, 2019.
The result also represents a milestone for new coach Paul Put, who has overseen a promising campaign so far.
Put’s tenure began with a painful draw away to South Africa, but back-to-back home wins against Congo and South Sudan at Namboole, have climaxed with a win away from home in Juba to secure 9 maximum points straight.
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