AFCON 2025 QUALIFIERS (Friday, Nov 15, 2024)
Uganda 0-2 South Africa
Uganda Cranes suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to South Africa in the second-last match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Namboole Stadium on Friday evening.
The defeat on home soil saw Bafana Bafana leapfrog the Cranes to the top spot in Group K, while Uganda, despite already having secured qualification, slumped to second place.
South Africa’s 2-0 victory not only secured them the top spot in Group K but also left Uganda with plenty to reflect on ahead of their final qualifier against Congo on November 19.
Despite the loss, the Uganda Cranes have already secured their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, but coach Paul Put will be hoping for a better performance in their last match of the campaign.
As it Happened
The match began with both teams testing each other, but it was Uganda who initially looked more in control.
However, a mistake by Cranes midfielder Taddeo Lwanga early in the second half allowed Thapelo Morena to put South Africa ahead.
The 49th-minute goal came after Lwanga lost possession in his own area, allowing Morena to slot the ball past Uganda goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
As the match wore on, Uganda struggled to break down the South African defence, with several chances wasted.
In the 56th minute, a misplaced pass from Watenga allowed Iqraam Rayners to get a chance on goal, but he fired wide, missing a golden opportunity to level the score.
Uganda made a series of changes in the second half, with Bobosi Byaruhanga, Hakim Kiwanuka, and Steven Mukwala entering the fray, but they could not make an impact.
South Africa sealed the victory in the 81st minute, when Patrick Maswanganyi doubled their lead, ensuring the Cranes would not recover.
Starting line ups
Uganda XI: Isima Watenga, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziz Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Awany, Taddeo Lwanga, Khalid Aucho, Roga Mato, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Allan Okello
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Rushwin Dortley, Bathusi Aubaas, Luke Le Roux, Teboho Mokoena, Elias Mokwana, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis
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