Bevis Mugabi was the hero of the night as his crucial goal sent the Uganda Cranes a step closer to AFCON 2025 qualification, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Sudan on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Mugabi’s 47th-minute strike lifted Uganda to 7 points, leaving them needing at least 3 more to secure a place in AFCON 2025, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026 in Morocco.
Coming into the game, head coach Paul Put made two changes to the squad that beat Congo 2-0 last month, bringing in Halid Lwaliwa for Elio Capradossi, while Jude Ssemugabi replaced Muhammad Shaban in the attack.
From the outset, Uganda showed intent, with Rogers Mato’s early free kick narrowly defended by South Sudan.
Chances continued to come Uganda’s way. Denis Omedi missed a scoring opportunity in the 5th minute, while Mato’s shot sailed wide in the 10th.
South Sudan had their best chance in the 35th minute when Uganda’s goalkeeper Isima Watenga denied Thomas Magor, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
At the break, Uganda’s technical team introduced Bobosi Byaruhanga and Allan Okello, replacing Ronald Ssekiganda and Travis Mutyaba.
The changes paid off immediately as Okello’s cross found Ssemugabi’s header, forcing South Sudan’s goalkeeper Juma Jenaro Amuk into a save.
However, Mugabi reacted fastest to tap in the rebound, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.
Despite further efforts from Uganda, including a close-range attempt by Ssemugabi, South Sudan pushed back in the final stages.
Their late substitutions brought fresh attacking options, but Uganda Cranes stood firm.
Lwaliwa notably cleared Puk Kun’s header off the line, while Omedi came close again deep into stoppage time.
With the victory, Uganda have recorded their second win of the qualification campaign, following last month’s triumph over Congo.
The Uganda Cranes now look ahead to a rematch with South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday, October 15, knowing a win could seal their path to the AFCON finals.
