Tuesday October 15, 2024
Juba stadium 4pm (EAT)
Uganda and South Sudan renew acquaintances in Juba in a group K Afcon 2025 qualifier that could seal both nations’ feat.
A win for the visiting Uganda Cranes will surely see them reach the Afcon finals in Morocco next year in case South Africa beat Congo Braville away.
For the Bright Stars of South Sudan, nothing but victory leaves them with a mathematical chance to try and qualify for their maiden finals.
Action from the reverse fixture at Namboole Credit: John Batanudde
In the reverse fixture at Namboole last week, South Sudan were impressive and didn’t do much wrong in the 1-0 defeat and could have easily grabbed a point in the latter stages only for Halid Lwaliwa to clear off the line.
“For now, the most important thing is the points,” said Allan Okello who came off the bench on Friday in defence of the team’s lackluster performance.
Allan Okello evades an opponent Credit: John Batanudde
NEC midfielder Gadafi Wahab who turns out for South Sudan believes they can upset the Cranes.
“We shall give it everything to win,” he told Kawowo Sports. “We were disappointed to lose in Kampala but playing in front of our fans, we shall do all it takes to make them happy,” he added.
Team News
The hosts will again miss the services of star striker Tito Okello who also didn’t travel to Uganda.
Geriga Atendele could start after coming off the bench in the Friday encounter while young striker Paul Jawa could also get some minutes under coach Nicholas Dupuis.
Credit: John Batanudde
Meanwhile, Bevis Mugabi, scorer of the winning goal in Kampala remains a doubt with flue and in case he doesn’t start, Timothy Awany could seize the opportunity.
Taddeo Lwanga was an unused substitute on Friday but could likely have game time as well.
Besides, not much changes are expected from Paul Put who insisted on still trusting the players he has worked with before.
Key Stats:
There have been seven meetings with Uganda winning 5. [L1, D1]
Only three times has Uganda failed to keep a clean sheet against South Sudan.
Uganda will qualify for the Afcon 2025 if they win and Congo also lose to South Africa in Brazzaville in a 7pm kick off.
The Cranes are unbeaten so far in the campaign with two victories [D1]
Cranes Probable XI:
Watenga (GK), Ssemakula, Mugabi, Lwaliwa, Kayondo, Aucho ©, Lwanga, Okello, Mato, Ssemugabi, Omedi.
The post Preview: South Sudan vs Uganda – Team News, Key Stats and Probable Line up appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
