Uganda Cranes and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana both registered pivotal victories in their respective AFCON 2025 qualifying matches on Friday, October 11, 2024.
Uganda edged South Sudan 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter at Mandela National Stadium, while South Africa demolished Congo 5-0 in a dominant display. The results leave both Uganda and South Africa tied at seven points, setting up a thrilling race for Group K supremacy.
Both Uganda Cranes and South Africa displayed contrasting styles in their AFCON qualifiers Uganda relying on resilience and tactical adjustments to grind out a narrow victory, while South Africa showcased their firepower with a comprehensive thrashing of Congo. With both teams level on points, the focus shifts to their upcoming fixtures, as the battle for Group K intensifies ahead of the final qualification rounds.
Uganda’s win did not come easy, as South Sudan provided stiff resistance, particularly in the first half. Both teams struggled to create clear chances in a scrappy opening 45 minutes, with Uganda’s Rogers Mato and Denis Omedi unable to find the target.
The Cranes made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Allan Okello and Bobosi Byaruhanga to bolster their midfield creativity. The adjustments paid off immediately, as Bevis Mugabi scored the game’s only goal in the 46th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Jude Ssemugabi’s header.
Despite Uganda’s dominance in possession and several attempts to extend the lead Ssemugabi’s shot was blocked in the 58th minute and Omedi was denied late onthe game ended with just a 1-0 margin. While Uganda took home the three points, the match underscored the team’s reliance on strong tactical adjustments and their ability to grind out results in tough encounters.
In stark contrast, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana enjoyed a much more straightforward outing against Congo. Bafana ran riot from the start, with a clinical attacking display that saw them score five unanswered goals. Led by the in-form Percy Tau, who netted twice, South Africa’s performance was a statement of their dominance in Group K.
The South African side demonstrated ruthless efficiency in front of goal, with Tau, Themba Zwane, and Lyle Foster adding their names to the scoresheet in what turned into a rout. The 5-0 result cemented Bafana Bafana’s position at the top of Group K, edging Uganda on goal difference.
The contrasting performances of Uganda and South Africa highlight the different paths both teams are taking toward AFCON qualification. Uganda, with their organized defense and tactical flexibility, has proven they can win tight contests, while South Africa’s potent attack makes them the most dangerous offensive force in the group.
With both teams now sitting on seven points, attention turns to the upcoming fixtures on October 15, which could be pivotal in determining the group’s final standings. Uganda will travel to Juba to face South Sudan in the return leg, aiming for another win to keep pace with South Africa, who will be up against Congo once again.
The Cranes will need another disciplined performance to overcome the hostile atmosphere in Juba, while South Africa will look to replicate their attacking prowess in the away fixture against Congo.
The race for Group K’s top spot is heating up, with both Uganda and South Africa eyeing direct qualification to AFCON 2025. The next round of matches will go a long way in deciding which team emerges as the frontrunner as the qualifiers approach their final stages.
