Richard Dean
Updated on: October 17, 2024 10:55 am GMT
Uganda is gearing up for a crucial match against South Sudan as part of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The game will take place at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Friday, October 11, 2024. The Cranes are currently at the top of Group K and are eager to maintain their unbeaten streak.
The match is particularly important for South Sudan, who have struggled in their recent games, winning only one of their last ten international outings. They claimed victory against Kenya in a friendly match last September but have faced defeats in the qualifiers against Congo and South Africa.
Khalid Aucho, a prominent player for Uganda, urged his teammates not to underestimate their opponents. “Every match is a new challenge,” he stated. “We need to stay focused and work hard to secure the points.”
Current Standings and Performance
As the teams prepare, Uganda boasts four points in the group after a win against Congo and a draw with South Africa.
Key highlights of Uganda’s recent performance include:
- A 2-0 victory over Congo at Namboole, thanks to goals from Aziz Kayondo and Jude Ssemugabi.
- A 1-1 draw with South Africa where Rogers Mato and Denis Omedi played crucial roles.
South Sudan, on the other hand, has faced tough challenges:
- A 1-0 loss to Congo in Brazzaville.
- A narrow 3-2 defeat to South Africa in Juba, which ended in the last minute.
As they head into the match, South Sudan aims to turn their fortunes around and secure their first points in the qualifiers.
Team News
In preparation for the upcoming matches, both teams have announced their squads.
For Uganda, coach Paul Put has named a 27-man squad that includes:
- Taddeo Lwanga, Gavin Kizito, and Derrick Nsibambi.
- Notably absent are right back Elvis Bwomono, left back Joseph Ochaya, and striker Muhammad Shaban.
New faces like Calvin Kabuye and KCCA’s Shafik ‘Nana’ Kwikiriza are looking to make their debuts.
On the South Sudan side, coach Nicola Dupuis has called up 26 players. Key updates include:
- Injuries have sidelined Joseph Dhata, a player from NEC.
- Francis Onekalit, a striker for SC Villa, may earn his debut.
Several Ugandan-based players, including Geriga Atendele and Gaddafi Wahab, are also expected to play significant roles in the match.
Dupuis has faced challenges of his own, with reports indicating he is currently in France for a family issue. It remains unclear how this situation will affect the team’s preparations as he is expected to join them in Kampala on the day of the match.
Head-to-Head Statistics
In considering the past performances and statistics, some relevant details stand out:
- Uganda has a strong historical record against South Sudan, increasing expectations for their upcoming game.
- South Sudan’s last victory against Uganda dates back to when they were relatively new to the international scene, making the upcoming match a significant test of their progress.
The players and coaching staff of both teams have emphasized the need for focused training and strategy as they approach this critical encounter.
What’s at Stake?
The implications of this match extend beyond just points in the qualifier. For Uganda, securing a win will bolster their position at the top of Group K, moving them closer to their goal of qualifying for AFCON 2025. For South Sudan, it is a chance to not only earn their first points in the group but also to build momentum in a tough competition.
Despite the challenges, both teams have the potential to pull off a surprise. Fans from both nations will undoubtedly be watching closely as the teams take the field under the floodlights of Namboole.
As the countdown to the game begins, the anticipation builds. The match is expected to deliver exciting moments as both teams pull out all the stops to secure a victory.
For those interested in following the match closely, further updates and detailed statistics can be found on sites like Kawowo Sports and other sports news outlets.
As Uganda plays against South Sudan, fans are excited and hope to see great skills, fun moments, and good sportsmanship. This is an important game in the AFCON qualifiers, and everyone is looking forward to it!
