Uganda Cranes snatched a 2-2 draw against South Africa in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
South Africa took the lead early, with Burnley’s Lyle Foster finding the net in the 14th minute. Uganda struggled to settle into the game, relying on goalkeeper Ismail Watenga’s sharp saves to stay in the contest. South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau was lucky to escape with just a yellow card after a rough challenge on Rogers Mato, leaving Ugandan fans unhappy.
In the second half, Uganda came alive. Denis Omedi leveled the score five minutes after the break with a stunning strike from outside the box. Just two minutes later, Rogers Mato stunned the home crowd with a long-range effort that slipped through South African goalkeeper Veli Mothwa’s hands, putting Uganda ahead 2-1.
However, Uganda’s defensive strategy backfired as South Africa piled on the pressure. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Thalente Mbatha equalized for South Africa, denying Uganda a famous win.
With both teams taking one point, Uganda will face Congo Brazzaville next at Namboole Stadium on Monday. Congo leads Group K after their 1-0 win over South Sudan. The Cranes will need to regroup and push for a victory to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.
