South Africa defeated Uganda 2-0 on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala during the penultimate round of the Group K Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Despite the loss, Uganda retains hope of finishing strong when they face Congo in their final group match on Tuesday, November 19, while South Africa will host South Sudan in Johannesburg.
The first half ended in a stalemate, with both sides struggling to break through defensively. Uganda midfielder Taddeo Lwanga was booked in the 42nd minute, but neither team could capitalize on their limited chances before halftime.
South Africa’s second-half substitutions proved decisive. Thapelo Morena, introduced at the break, opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a precise strike.
Uganda responded with a flurry of substitutions in the 56th minute, introducing Steven Mukwala and Bobosi Byaruhanga to reinvigorate their attack, but their efforts were in vain.
As the match drew to a close, South Africa’s Pule Maswanganyi added a second goal in the 89th minute, assisted by Iqraam Rayners, sealing the victory.
Both Uganda and South Africa have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON finals, but the race for group supremacy remains alive. South Africa sits atop the table with an unbeaten record and will aim to finish strongly against South Sudan.
Uganda, currently second, will look to bounce back and secure three points in their final game against Congo.
The final round of Group K matches will determine the standings, with South Africa and Uganda aiming to carry momentum into the AFCON finals.
