Uganda Prepares for Crucial AFCON Qualifier Against South Sudan

Uganda‘s national football team, commonly known as “The Cranes,” is preparing for a vital Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against neighbors South Sudan. The match, to be played on Friday at the Namboole Stadium, is a must-win qualification encounter for Uganda, who currently lead Group K with four points after two matches.

The pressure will be on Uganda to capitalize on their home advantage as they face South Sudan, a team that has yet to secure a point in their qualifying campaign. Uganda seeks to avenge a previous defeat by South Sudan in 2020 and maintain their push for a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the match. “I believe the group is now okay; we have integrated more as a team unit and done more tactical training,” he stated, highlighting the importance of team cohesion and fan support in clinching a home victory.

Uganda’s squad is notable for its players like Ismail Watenga, expected to remain in goal, and a defense bolstered by Halid Lwaliwa, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziz Kayondo, and Bevis Mugabi. Changes in the midfield are anticipated, with Taddeo Lwanga vying for a spot against incumbents Khalid Aucho and Bobosi Byaruhanga. The Belgian coach may also choose a more dynamic lineup, including Allan Okello and Travis Mutyaba to counteract South Sudan’s defensive tactics.

For South Sudan, the challenge is deeply personal for some players, like Tito Okello and Gaddafi Wahab, who previously had ties with Uganda. Led by Nicolas Dupuis, South Sudan hopes to disrupt Uganda’s top-form home performance and revive their own qualification hopes despite a run of eight winless games.

South Sudan, low-ranked in the FIFA standings, have struggled historically against Uganda, never winning in their six previous encounters. Their recent form continues to pose a challenge, having yet to secure a win in the current qualifiers.

Uganda’s fans expect nothing less than a commanding performance from their side, who are eager to cement their position in Group K before heading to Juba for the return leg. As the stakes rise, both teams prepare to battle for crucial points in their AFCON qualifying journey.