Afcon Qualifiers: Uganda send Bafana Bafana third

The East Africans have shown they are ready to go all the way after another good performance in their pool.

South Africa have to dig deeper to avoid an upset after dropping to the third position in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 2023 Afcon semi-finalists were tipped to have smooth sailing to the next edition to be held in Morocco, but they toiled at home against Uganda and needed a late Thalente Mbatha strike to salvage a point in the 2-2 draw.

On Monday, the East Africans made their intent clear with a vital win over Congo in a newly refurbished Namboole Stadium in Kampala.

2025 Afcon qualifier: Uganda 2-0 Congo

Thousands flocked the steam to give the home team support over the Red Devils who had started their campaign with a 1-0 win over South Sudan.

The Paul Put-led team needed a 21-minute strike from Abdu Aziz Kayondo to give the hosts a deserved lead. It happened to be the only goal inside the first 45 minutes despite the chances created by either team.

In the 85th minute, Allan Okello managed to find Jude Ssemugabi in the danger zone, and the latter made no mistake, sealing maximum points in the process. 

What does Uganda win mean?

The Cranes are now on top of Group K with four points from the two games already played over a span of three days. The draw in Orlando Pirates is an achievement for Put’s team owing to the quality possessed by Bafana.

The Red Devils of Congo come second on the table with three points after an initial win over the Bright Stars.

Bafana Bafana have a point which puts them third on the table. However, they might go top of the table if they get a favourable result over South Sudan on Tuesday in Juba.