The Uganda Cranes have kicked off their journey to the AFCON 2025 tournament with a positive result, drawing 2-2 against South Africa in their opening qualifier.
Uganda went into the game on the back of two major tournament qualifying losses to Bafana Bafana that came during the 2006 World Cup campaign.
The match, played at Orlando Stadium in South Africa on September 6, 2024, saw the hosts take a 14th minute lead through forward Lyle Foster.
However, Uganda fought back in the second half, with Allan Okello’s substitution sparking a resurgence. Denis Omedi’s stunning goal from outside the box leveled the score in the 51st minute.
Two minutes later, former KCCA FC winger Rogers Mato put Uganda ahead with stinging long range effort which was too hot for the South Africa goal keeper to handle.
Although South Africa managed to equalize in stoppage time through substitute Thalente Mbatha, Uganda can take pride in their performance and the two goals scored, a rare feat against their formidable opponents.
Next up for Uganda is a home match against Congo Brazzaville on September 9, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium Namboole. Congo Brazzaville enters the match with a 1-0 win over South Sudan under their belt, thanks to a Massanga Matondo’s goal.
Courtesy Photos
