AFCON-bound Uganda Cranes wrapped up their successful qualification campaign with a 1-0 win over Congo at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville on Tuesday.Travis Mutyaba’s goal in minute fifty five proved decisive,as the Cranes bounced back from a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to South Africa on Friday.
Uganda went into the South Africa match with genuine hopes of sealing top spot in Group K as they remained unbeaten after four matchdays,with a 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana,which only Thalente Mbatha’s last gasp leveller for the hosts stopped from being a famous away win,the only blemish on their record.
Two home wins against Congo and South Sudan were followed by a comeback away victory against the latter in Juba,putting Uganda a point ahead of South Africa going into the penultimate matchday.
But the Friday fixture ended up being a rude awakening for Paul Put’s Uganda,as second half goals from Thapelo Morena and Patrick Masanganywi condemned the Cranes to a sobering defeat.It was,however,a dead rubber,as South Sudan’s 3-2 win over Congo the day before had already ensured that their neighbours to the south would be returning to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2019,the third time in the last five editions and the eighth time in total.
That did not spare Put and his team from the fans’ ire,as they expressed their dismay at the Cranes’ uninspired and lifeless performance against South Africa.Not even the good will built up by an unbeaten campaign up to that point could dampen the Ugandans’ tempers.
And so the Cranes went into the final group game knowing it was imperative to get a good result if the fans were to be placated.
They did just that,with Mutyaba,back into the starting line up,rifling in an effort from a corner.It was played in short to an unmarked Mutyaba,who twisted left and right to lose an approaching defender,before swivelling and turning to fire into the bottom corner.It was a real moment of quality from the former SC Villa youngster.
The Cranes held on to secure the victory,certifying second place in Group K on thirteen points,one behind leaders South Africa.The 2025 TotalEnergies AFCON is slated to start on 21st December 2025 and conclude on 18th January 2026..It will be hosted by Morrocco for the second time in history,with the North Africans having also hosted it in 1988.
