Uganda Cranes picked a point on the road against South Africa as the quest to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 began on Friday.
In the game played at Orlando Stadium on Friday, Uganda showed resilience and character to earn a point in a pulsating encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw.
The newly launched Uganda Cranes jersey was used for the first time with goalkeeper Isima Watenga donning all black while the outfield players wore white.
In a game of two halves, South Africa were too dominant in the first half and led through Lyle Foster who scored in the 14th minute.
However, Uganda bounced back stronger after recesss and scored two quick goals through Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato.
A late Thalente Mbatha goal in added time denied Uganda maximum points with the game ending into a two-all draw.
South Africa started on the front foot and dominated proceedings with Uganda failing to match the pace.
Foster fired the hosts into an early lead in the 14th minute, calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Isima Watenga.
South Africa had several chances moments later to stretch the lead but Uganda had goalkeeper Watenga to thank, pulling off save after save.
In the second half, Uganda returned a much improved side with coach Paul Put making a change when he introduced Allan Okello in place of Travis Mutyaba.
In the 51st minute, Omedi had yards of space unmarked and decided to shoot from distance. His ferocious strike went straight into the back of the net to level matters.
Two minutes later, Mato almost in similar fashion shot from distance and this time, goalkeeper Mothwa fumbled with the former’s effort to grant Uganda the lead.
From then onwards, Uganda absorbed pressure from the hosts and indeed looked like they were taking all three points.
Coach Put made more changes with Joseph Ochaya and Joachiam Ojera replacing Rogers Mato and Steven Mukwala respectively.
However, substitute Mbatha found the equalizer in the fourth minute of the six added minutes, firing a low drive into the bottom corner.
The result means Congo who defeated South Sudan 1-0 lead group K with Uganda and South Africa level on one point apeace.
Uganda will return to action on Monday at Mandela National Stadium against Congo.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi
Unused substitutes
Charles Lukwago, Nafian Alionzi, James Penz Begisa, Isaac Muleme, Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Calvin Kabuye, Jude Ssemugabi
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2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS: Uganda Holds South Africa to a 2-All Draw
