Friday, September 6*South Africa Vs Uganda – 7pm (EAT)
Team News
Uganda will be without defenders Kenneth Ssemakula and Halid Lwaliwa, who were unable to travel due to visa issues but are expected to be available for the next qualifier against Congo at Namboole.
South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos will be without his captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, due to injury.
PREVIEW:
Uganda Cranes will kick off their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign away against South Africa this Friday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
After missing out on the last two AFCON tournaments in 2021 and 2023, the Cranes are eager to make a strong return.
They will aim to finish in the top two of Group K, which also includes Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan.
South Africa, the 1996 AFCON champions and third-place finishers in the 2023 edition held in Ivory Coast, are the favorites in the group.
However, unlike traditional African powerhouses like Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana, Bafana Bafana lack standout stars playing in top European leagues.
The Cranes, now under the leadership of new coach Paul Put, have already had a taste of competitive football under the Belgian coach.
In June, they defeated Botswana but lost to Algeria in World Cup qualifiers, both matches held at Namboole.
Put brings a wealth of experience from managing several African teams, including Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Kenya. His notable achievement was leading Burkina Faso to the AFCON final in 2013.
The game away to South Africa is Uganda’s toughest on paper in the group, and any positive result will be a huge motivation in their 2025 AFCON qualification bid.
Probable Lineups
South Africa – Ricardo Goss; Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis
Uganda – Isma Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Elio Capradossi, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Shaban Muhammad, Joseph Ochaya
How to Watch:
In Uganda, no TV channel, including FUFA TV, has advertised the game yet. However, the match will be available on Azam Sports.
In South Africa, you can catch the game live on SABC Sport and SABC Plus.
Head To Head
October 10, 2004 (World Cup Qualifiers)Uganda 0-1 South Africa
March 26, 2005 (World Cup Qualifiers)South Africa 2-1 Uganda
June 4, 2019 (COSAFA)Uganda 1-1 South Africa (2-4 in pen)
June 10, 2021 (Friendly)South Africa 3-2 Uganda
South Africa Vs Uganda: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and TV
