AFCON 2025 Qualifiers (Group K):
Uganda Cranes 1-0 South Sudan
Uganda Cranes has secured their second victory of the 2025 Afcon qualification campaign in group K.
A slim 1-0 home win over neighbors South Sudan assured the Cranes maximum points at a fully pack Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Under floodlights, Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi scored the all-important goal in the 47th minute.
Bevis Mugabi reacts moments after scoring against South Sudan | Credit: Don Mugabi
As early as the second minute, South Sudan defended a Rogers Mato free kick from the left flank.
In the fifth minute, Denis Omedi slid as he approached the goal area of the opposition.
Five minutes later, it was Uganda Cranes again as Mato twisted and turned before shooting off target of goalkeeper Juma Jenaro Awad Amuk’s goal-posts.
Alfred Leku Freedom shot narrowly off target after a brilliant solo run on the right in the 26th minute.
Two minutes later, Uganda’s roving right back Kenneth Ssemakula got fouled by Joseph Malish Manase, 25 yards away from goal.
The resultant free-kick was blasted over by Mato after Travis Mutyaba’s lay-up.
On the half hour mark, Omedi delivered a low drive from the right that was blocked by defender Sila Charles Ouma.
With 10 minutes to the climax of the first 45 minutes, goalkeeper Isima Watenga saved from Thomas Magor in South Sudan’s best chance of the opening half.
Magor became the first player to be cautioned by the referee with three minutes before the mandatory half way recess.
Allan Okello was introduced at the start of the second half and injected urgency | Credit: Don Mugabi
Upon restart of play in the second half, Uganda Cranes technical bench called for a double substitution.
Bobosi Byaruhanga and Allan Okello were the fresh legs introduced for Ronald Ssekiganda and Travis Mutyaba respectively.
The two changes paid off instant dividends as Uganda Cranes took the lead as the second half kicked off.
The full to capacity stadium stands were lit up when Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi parried home the opening goal in the 46th minute from close range after goalkeeper Amuk had initially stopped Ssemugabi’s header off Okello’s chip.
Bevis Mugabi and Jude Ssemugabi celebrate | Credit: Don MugabiBevis Mugabi the goal hero | Credit: Don Mugabi
On the half mark, Ssemugabi was denied from close range by the goalkeeper Amuk as the hosts intensified their raids towards the opposition.
South Sudan made a double change in the 62nd minute when Atendele Mawa Christopher Lokosang came on for Gordon Samuel Taban and Madit Mayor Madit replaced Gadafi Wahab Thiago.
Madit’s first contribution was a well-executed corner kick that Leku headed for goalkeeper Watenga’s routine collection.
Abdul Azizi Kayondo shoots
Gadafi Wahabi dribbles
Uganda Cranes defenders on duty
Okocha was cautioned for a late challenge onto Omedi in the 72nd minute.
With ten minutes to play, South Sudan pushed more number upfront, introducing forwards Pal Paul Puk Kun and Francis Onekalit Odong Lazarus for Leku and Laku respectively.
Peter Chol Bentiu Daniel replaced Joseph Malish Manase in the 86th minute with signs of fatigue showing up on either side.
Halid Lwaliwa kisses the grass | Credit: Don Mugabi
As the temper flared, Uganda Cranes’ skipper Khalid Aucho was cautioned for protesting a decision from the referee before defender Halid Lwaliwa saved off the goal line from Puk’s header.
Deep in added time, Omedi saved a darling save from goalkeeper Amuk as Uganda attained the treasured maximum points.
This is Uganda’s second victory of the campaign that takes the Cranes to 7 points after a 2-0 win against Congo at the same fortress.
In three days’ time, these two countries meet once again at the Juba national stadium.
Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho greets an opponent
Rogers Mato
Victory is good for us all. I am disappointed by the first 45 minutes. I cannot explain what happened. We returned for the second half with much more drive and commitment. We had an improved second half. We knew it could be a very tough game. We are focused for the return leg. The boys showed mentality and character to win. I am proud about the second half performance. We are in a building phase. The return leg will even be more tough
Paul Put, Uganda Cranes head coach
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Watenga (G.K), Kenneth Semakula, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho (Captain), Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Rogers Mato
Changes:
46’ Bobosi Byaruhanga On, Ronald Ssekiganda Out
46’ Allan Okello On, Travis Mutyaba Out
Subs Not Used: Nafian Alionzi (G.K), Charles Lukwago (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Dennis Awany, Arnold Odong, Tadeo Lwanga, Shafik Kwikiriza, Steven Mukwala, Calvin Kabuye
Officials:
Paul Put (Head coach), Sam Bamweyana Ssimbwa (first assistant coach), Djirk Jerry Oste (Goalkeeper coach), Emmanuel Nakabago (medical staff), Sven De Wilde (team staff), Denis Mathiew Ghislain (physical trainer), Geofrey Massa (team manager)
South Sudan XI: Juma Jenaro Awad Amuk (G.K, Captain), Paul Pal Puk Kun, David Majak Chan, William Emmanuel Gama Kundu, Loki Emmanuel Peter Loki, Gordon Samuel Taban, Joseph Malik Manase, Gadafi Wahab Thiago, Benjamin Laku Lotelek, Alfred Leku Freedom, Okocha Rashid Thomas Ladu
Changes:
61’ Atendele Mawa Christopher Lokosang On, Gordon Samuel Taban Out
61’ Madit Mayor Madit On, Gadafi Wahab Thiago Out
78’ Francis Onekalit Odong Lazarus On, Alfred Leku Freedom Out
78’ Pal Paul Puk Kun On, Benjamin Laku Lotelek Out
Subs Not Used:
Nicolas Madeng Abileny (G.K), Charles Ouma Sila, Rehan Angier Malong, Ebon Malish Ezibon Wajo, Paul America Jawa Mara, Yohanna Paulino Juma, Thomas Tom Magor
Officials:
Nicolas Jean Dupuis (head coach), Rezik Alphaza Datiro (first assistant coach), Kannady Santolino Tambi Banasio (goalkeeper coach), Dok Deng Bor Nul (head of delegation), Brin George Lou (physical trainer), Paulino Luis Jubek Loro (Equipment manager), Emmanuel Lugala Joseph Mansuk (team manager)
The post Uganda Cranes pip South Sudan to enlighten AFCON 2025 qualification hopes appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
