The Uganda Cranes secured a narrow 1-0 victory against South Sudan at the Mandela National Stadium, thanks to a goal from defender Bevis Mugabi. The win keeps Uganda’s hopes alive for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Despite Uganda’s dominance, South Sudan’s defense held firm until Mugabi scored shortly after halftime. The match saw Uganda and South Africa leading Group K with seven points each, while the two teams will clash again on Tuesday at Juba Stadium.
The Uganda Cranes achieved another victory at the Mandela National Stadium, securing a 1-0 win against South Sudan during a fiercely contested match held on Friday. The only goal of the game was scored by towering defender Bevis Mugabi, a crucial moment that keeps Uganda’s aspirations for participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament alive. In the first half, Uganda displayed dominance, yet the South Sudanese defense effectively thwarted various attempts from players such as Jude Ssemugabi, Denis Omedi, and Mato Rogers Khassim. The decisive moment arrived shortly after the second half commenced, when Mugabi capitalized on a rebound after an initial save by goalkeeper Juma Amuk. The build-up to the goal was orchestrated by substitute Allan Okello, who delivered a precise inswinger from a well-executed short corner, allowing Ssemugabi to nod the ball towards goal, only for it to rebound off the goalkeeper, giving Mugabi the opportunity to finish with precision, igniting jubilant celebrations among the substantial attendance. As the match progressed towards its conclusion, South Sudan nearly equalized; however, defender Halid Lwaliwa’s goal-line clearance during stoppage time preserved Uganda’s lead. Despite South Sudan’s attempts to equalize late in the game, the Uganda Cranes exhibited solid defending to secure all three points from the encounter. Following this match, Uganda and South Africa are jointly leading Group K with seven points each, while Congo and South Sudan trail with three and zero points, respectively. The two teams are set to meet once more on Tuesday at Juba Stadium.
The match between the Uganda Cranes and South Sudan marked an important fixture in the qualification phase for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala has often been a stronghold for the Uganda Cranes, contributing to their competitive edge in home games. Maintaining a robust defense has been pivotal for Uganda, especially in high-stakes matches such as this one. Both teams were aware of the implications of the match, as points acquired were crucial for their standings in Group K of the qualification round. The intensity of the match highlighted the competitive nature of African football, with teams striving for the prestigious AFCON tournament.
The Uganda Cranes’ victory over South Sudan not only extends their impressive home record but also strengthens their standing in the quest for AFCON 2025 qualification. The match underscored the importance of teamwork and defensive resilience, as evidenced by Mugabi’s critical goal and Lwaliwa’s defensive efforts. With both teams preparing for a rematch, the outcome of their next encounter will be pivotal in determining their aspirations for the upcoming tournament.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
