South Africa took a huge step towards topping Group K of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following their 2-0 qualifying victory against Uganda at the Stade Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Friday.
In a closely fought matchday five battle, Bafana needed a 49th minute goal courtesy of second half substitute Thapelo Morena to take the lead against the run of play in a sold-out stadium. Morena had come in for Elias Mokwana and he took only two minutes to find the back of the net.
A loose ball which was not cleared by Uganda defenders fell into Morena’s right foot and he side-stepped it past the advancing Cranes goalkeeper Ismail Watenga. Another substitute Patrick Maswanganyi, who had come in for Luke Le Roux in the 71st minute, ensured that Bafana sealed a comfortable away win when he scored the second goal in the 89th minute.
Heading into the fixture, both teams had already booked their ticket to the 35th edition of the AFCON in Morocco following South Sudan’s 3-2 victory against Congo in another group fixture at Juba National Stadium on Thursday.
Uganda starting XI: Watenga, Ssemakula, Kayondo, Mugabi, Awany, Lwanga, Aucho, Mato, Omedi, Ssemugabi, Okello.
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Mvala, Dortley, Modiba, Aubaas, Mokoena, Le Roux, Appollis, Mokwana, Makgopa.