The Uganda Cranes kept their qualification hopes for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 alive with a narrow 1-0 victory over South Sudan on Friday night at Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
Defender Bevis Mugabi, who plays in Cyprus, delivered the winning goal just two minutes after halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error by South Sudan after a corner.
Despite Uganda’s offensive push in the second half, the South Sudanese defense held strong for much of the game.
Uganda’s head coach, Paul Joseph Put, made some tactical changes, which saw the hosts increase pressure, but South Sudan remained resilient.
The victory propels Uganda to seven points in Group K, following their previous 2-2 away draw against South Africa and a 2-0 home win over Congo Brazzaville.
Elsewhere in the region, CECAFA teams struggled in their AFCON qualifiers. Kenya suffered a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in Group J, with Vincent Aboubakar scoring from the penalty spot, while Martin Hongla, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Mouyang Bassong added to Cameroon’s tally. Kenyan skipper Michael Olunga managed to score a consolation goal.
Rwanda also had a tough outing, losing 3-0 to Benin in Group D. Steve Mounie, Andreas Hountondji, and Hassane Imourane were on target for the home side.
Uganda will look to build on their positive momentum as they aim to secure a spot in AFCON 2025.
