Monday, September 9*Uganda Vs Congo – Namboole, 7pm
Group K standings
Congo – 3
Uganda – 1
South Africa – 1
South Sudan – 0
Uganda Cranes will fancy their chances to get maximum points against Congo in their second Group K fixture of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers on Monday at Namboole Stadium.
The Cranes are eager to bounce back after suffering a heartbreaking last-minute equalizer in their opening match against South Africa on Friday at Orlando Stadium, Soweto.
Despite an encouraging performance, Paul Put’s team conceded a late equalizer from Sibongakonke Mbatha, which left the Cranes deflated after leading 2-1.
Uganda had initially gone down to a Lyle Foster goal but showed great resilience, with Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato scoring in the second half to give Uganda the lead.
However, Mbatha’s stoppage-time strike denied the Cranes a perfect start to their campaign.
Before the match against South Africa, Uganda would have celebrated securing a point away to the Group K favorites.
However, the manner of the draw has left the team with a feeling of missed opportunity.
“We have to focus on the game against Congo now,” said Coach Put in a brief comment after the team’s return.
The Cranes, who returned on Saturday, had only one training session at Namboole on Sunday in preparation for the crucial tie.
A win against Congo is crucial to keep Uganda’s qualification hopes alive, with a point away to the third-place finishers of the previous AFCON seen as a valuable result in hindsight.
The Cranes are likely to field a similar squad to the one that faced South Africa.
Muhammad Shaban remains a doubt after picking up a knock in the last training session before South Africa’s game. Coach Put described Shaban’s situation as “tricky” when asked about the forward’s chances of playing.
However, defenders Halid Lwaliwa and Kenneth Ssemakula are available for selection after missing the trip to South Africa due to visa issues.
What to Expect From Congo
Congo secured a 1-0 victory over South Sudan to take the lead in Group K of the AFCON Qualifiers in their opening match on Thursday.
Chandler Massanga’s long-range strike in the first half proved decisive, as it gave the hosts the lead at Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat. It was the only goal Congo needed to claim all three points.
Congo, nicknamed the Red Devils, won their only Africa Cup of Nations title in 1972, defeating Mali 3-2 in the final held in Cameroon.
However, they have struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the last four AFCON tournaments since their quarterfinal appearance in 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.
Under head coach Isaac Ngata, Congo aims to maintain their strong start as they prepare to face Uganda Cranes.
Key players include Silvere Ganvoula, who plays for Young Boys in Switzerland and has scored 6 goals in 19 games, as well as Antoine Makoumbou (Cagliari, Italy) and Gabriel Charpentier (Parma, Italy).
Elie Andzounou is the only locally-based player in the squad, while just two others play on the African continent. The rest of the team competes in European leagues.
Probable Lineups
Uganda – Ismail Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Aziz Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Ronald Ssekiganda, Rogers Mato, Khalid Aucho, Steven Mukwala, Allan Okello, Denis Omedi
Congo – Pavelh Ndzilla, Yhoan Andzouana, Bryan Passi, Ryan Bidounga, Morgan Poaty, Fred Dembi, Chandrel Massanga, Mons Bassouamina, Merveil Ndockyt, Prestige Mboungou, Silvere Ganvoula
How To Watch
Tickets are going for Sh25000 (ordinary), Sh50000 (VIP) and Sh150,000 (Platinum)
Those who are watching on TV, FUFA TV and UBC TV are expected to air the game live (subject to change).
Uganda Vs Congo: Preview, Probable Lineups, Stats and How To Watch
