The Uganda Cranes, moved one step closer to securing a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a gritty 2-1 win over South Sudan on Tuesday. The match, held in Juba, saw Uganda fight hard for the crucial three points that put them in control of their qualification hopes.
Uganda took the lead early in the game through Denis Omedi, who found the back of the net in the 15th minute. However, South Sudan quickly leveled the score six minutes later when Yoanne Paulino netted an equalizer. The game remained balanced until the second half, when an unfortunate moment for South Sudan’s Alfred Leku turned the tide in Uganda’s favor.
Leku, attempting to defend a Travis Mutyaba freekick, accidentally put the ball into his own net, giving Uganda a 2-1 advantage. Despite South Sudan’s efforts to bounce back, Uganda held firm, securing a vital victory.
With the win, Uganda now sits atop their qualifying group with 10 points, ahead of South Africa (8 points), Congo (4 points), and South Sudan, who remain winless with 0 points. Uganda’s qualification for AFCON 2025 wasn’t confirmed on the due to South Africa’s 1-1 draw with Congo, the Cranes are in a strong position to advance.
Uganda’s qualification is within reach, as they need only a point from their remaining two matches against South Africa and Congo. Even if they lose both matches, Uganda could still qualify, provided Congo doesn’t beat South Sudan or the Cranes avoid a heavy defeat against Congo in their final game.
