AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Uganda Cranes are on the cusp of qualification to the AFCON 2025 finals after a win away to South Sudan

The Uganda senior men’s football national team, the Uganda Cranes, edged South Sudan 2-1 this evening in the return leg of the AFCON 2025 Qualifier to move a step closer to finals.

In the game played at Juba International Stadium, Uganda defeated South Sudan 2-1 to complete the double over their neighbors.

Goals from Denis Omedi and Alfred Leku’s own goal handed Uganda the important victory, while Yohanna Juma netted the only goal for South Sudan.

It took Uganda only 16 minutes to find the opener through Denis Omedi, but Yohanna Juma equalized five minutes later, ending the first half all square.

In the second half, substitute Travis Mutyaba’s free kick was headed by another substitute, Jude Ssemugabi, and Alfred Leku deflected the ball into his own net to restore Uganda’s lead.

Denis Omedi almost stretched the lead before the end of the game, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Paul Put’s boys managed to control the game until the final whistle, earning a crucial win.

The victory could see Uganda qualify for the final tournament since 2019 if South Africa beats Congo Brazzaville tonight.

Uganda is currently top of Group K with 10 points, and South Africa will have the same points if they secure victory, leaving Congo and South Sudan behind.

Uganda’s lineup:

Isima Watenga (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Aziz Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Allan Okello, Denis Omedi, Mato Rogers, Derrick Nsibambi.