South Africa defeats Uganda Cranes at Namboole to go top of group K

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AFCON 2025 Qualifiers (Group K):

Uganda Cranes 0-2 South Africa Bafana Bafana

Thousands of spectators at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole were left heart-broken, crest-fallen and disappointed after Uganda Cranes’ 0-2 home loss to South Africa in group K of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Two second half goals by substitutes James Thapelo Morena and Patrick Maswanganyi condemned Uganda to a rare home loss at the Namboole fortress.

The opening half of the largely tactical encounter had ended goal-less before the Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock in the 48^th minute through Morena.

Allan Okello in action against South Africa Credit: John Philip Mugabi

Morena, one of the seven Mamelodi Sundowns players who featured in the game had replaced Elias Sepho Mokwana.

He beat Golden Arrows goalkeeper Isima Bin Rashid Abdul Watenga from close range after an earlier foul on midfielder Tadeo Lwanga.

Lwanga was stretchered off for further medication and was replaced by Bobosi Byaruhanga.

With the dying moments of the game, Orlando Pirates’ Maswanganyi, another change for Luke Gareth Le Roux finished off inside the goal area to double the Bafana Bafana’s victory and maximum points.

South Africa now ascends top of group K with 11 points with Uganda in second place on 10 points.

The Bafana Bafana will host South Sudan in their final game at home whilst Uganda Cranes travel to Congo.

Both South Africa and Uganda have already qualified to AFCON 2025 that will be staged in Morocco.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Watenga (G.K), Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Denis Awanyi, Taddeo Lwanga, Khalid Aucho (Captain), Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Allan Okello

Subs: Nafian Alionzi (G.K), Charles Lukwago (G.K), Geofrey Wasswa, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Halidi Lwaliwa, Calvin Kabuye, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ronald Ssekiganda, Hakim Kiwanuka, Isaac Muleme

Head coach: Paul Joseph Put (Belgium)

South Africa XI: Ronwen Hayden Williams (Captain), Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Oswin Reagan Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Luke Gareth Le Roux, Rushwin Dortley, Mothobi Mvala, Bathusi Jurry Aubaas, Elias Sepho Mokwana, Khuliso Johnson Mudau

Subs: Sage Shane Stephens (G.K), Sipho Justin Chaine (G.K), Nyiko Sydney Mobbie, Fawaaz Basadien, Thalente Wandile Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners, Devin Chandley Titus, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thapelo James Morena

Head coach: Hugo Henri Broos (Belgium)