In a thrilling turn of events during the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Uganda’s qualification for the tournament was secured following a gripping match between South Sudan and Congo.
South Sudan edged out Congo with a 3-2 victory at the Juba National Stadium, sealing Uganda’s place in the prestigious competition set for Morocco next year.
Uganda’s top position in Group K, with 10 points, placed them in a favorable qualifying spot, and South Sudan’s victory over Congo officially confirmed their advancement.
With just one game left, Congo’s loss ensures they can no longer surpass Uganda or second-placed South Africa, who have eight points. This outcome locks in Uganda and South Africa as the two teams to advance from Group K.
The game itself was a spectacle of resilience and determination. Congo opened the scoring in the 26th minute, with Christopher Ibayi heading home, only for South Sudan to equalize through Ebon Malish five minutes later.
Ibayi restored Congo’s lead shortly afterward, but Malish struck again in stoppage time, bringing the match to a 2-2 deadlock before halftime. South Sudan capitalized on Congo going down to ten men after Bryan Passi’s red card in the 78th minute, with substitute Data Elly scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute.
For Uganda, the road to Morocco has been one of consistency and focus, with solid performances throughout the qualifiers.
This is an important milestone for the Uganda Cranes, who are aiming to make a significant impact at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
