This Friday, Group K in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers could see a decisive outcome as Uganda takes on South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
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Both teams are undefeated in the group stage so far, and a victory for either side will secure their spot in the AFCON tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco next year.
Match Preview
Uganda entered the qualifiers as an underdog in Group K but has defied expectations with three wins and one draw, placing them at the top of the standings heading into their final two games.
The Cranes managed to regain control of the group with back-to-back wins against South Sudan, securing a 1-0 victory at home and a 2-1 win away, following a solid 2-0 performance against Congo in September. However, their first-round game against South Africa ended in a last-minute equalizer from Thalente Mbatha, leaving the teams deadlocked.
Under head coach Paul Put, Uganda has had an impressive 2024, with only two losses across nine matches – a friendly against Comoros in March and a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Algeria in June. Despite this strong form, Uganda has never beaten South Africa, with a record of four losses and one draw over their past five encounters spanning two decades.
South Africa, historically an inconsistent presence on the international stage, has enjoyed a resurgence. The team finished in third place at the 2023 AFCON and has since remained unbeaten in 11 matches, earning four wins and seven draws.
They have demonstrated a much-improved attacking front, scoring 11 goals in the AFCON qualifiers thus far. However, Bafana Bafana faces challenges heading into Friday’s match as several key players are sidelined, including Burnley’s Lyle Foster, who scored twice in the first four matches of the qualifiers.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Paul Put has announced a 27-man squad for Uganda, including two new players: teenager John Paul Dembe and goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa. Dembe, who plays for Hacken in Sweden, recently shone in the Under-20 African Championship with six goals.
Mugolofa has also been solid this season, keeping five clean sheets for his club. Notable call-ups include Charles Lukwago and Isima Watenga from the South African league, while veteran midfielder Khalid Aucho returns.
South Africa has seen some last-minute roster changes due to injuries. Mihlali Mayambela is out after an injury with Aris Limassol, while Themba Zwane faces a long recovery following an injury last month.
With Foster also unavailable, head coach Hugo Broos has called in Mothobi Mvala, Evidence Makgopa, and Relebohile Mofokeng as replacements. Surprisingly, Percy Tau, initially part of the preliminary squad, has not been included in the final lineup.
Expected Lineups:
Uganda Starting XI: Watenga; Awany, Mugabi, Lwaliwa, Kayondo; Aucho, Lwanga, Omedi; Okello, Dembe, Mato
South Africa Starting XI: Williams; Mudau, Modiba, Mvala, Mobbie; Mokoena, Aubaas, Mokwana, Appollis; Rayners, Makgopa
Prediction
While South Africa has the stronger team on paper, Uganda’s recent form and the absence of several key South African players could make the difference. We predict Uganda will capitalize on this opportunity to secure at least a draw, potentially confirming their qualification for AFCON 2024.
