Afcon 2025 Qualifiers: Uganda vs South Africa
Uganda vs South Africa Preview, Prognosis, and Top Wagers: A Detailed Analysis of the Upcoming Match
Get ready for a thrilling showdown between Uganda and South Africa on Friday! The Cranes are on a roll, having won their last three AFCON qualifiers, but they've never beaten Bafana Bafana in five previous encounters. But both teams are within reach of qualifying for the tournament, making this a must-watch match.
Uganda's Form under New Coach
Cranes' coach Paul Put has worked wonders since taking over in November 2023. In June, Uganda played two World Cup qualifiers, defeating Botswana 1-0 at home and narrowly losing 2-1 against Algeria after initially leading. In the AFCON qualifying campaign, they drew 2-2 in South Africa, conceding a last-minute goal to forfeit a 2-1 lead. But they've since secured three straight wins, putting them in a strong position for qualification. They defeated Congo 2-0 at home, beat South Sudan 1-0 in Kampala, and recently won 2-1 away against South Sudan.
Key Ugandan Players
Goalkeeper Ismail Watenga from Golden Arrows, midfielder Denis Omedi, who scored in qualifying against both South Africa and South Sudan, and central defender Bevis Mugabi, who plays in the Cypriot First Division, are crucial players to watch. Khalid Aucho, formerly with Baroka FC and now with Yanga SC, is also a familiar face to the South African team.
Uganda's Motivation
While qualification is nearly secured, Uganda will be motivated to snag their first victory over Bafana Bafana in this match. They typically employ direct tactics, focusing on their physical front three, and tend to avoid overplaying or dominating possession.
South Africa's Form and Key Players
Hugo Broos's South Africa is on an unbeaten streak of 17 matches, though 11 of those ended in draws. They have a strong record against Uganda, having beaten them 2-0 in their last matchup. Key players include Evidence Makgopa, who will lead the attack in the absence of Lyle Foster, and midfielders Siyabonga Ngezana and Mothobi Mvala, who will compete for a starting spot in defense.
South Africa's Motivation
Bafana Bafana needs just a point to secure their spot in AFCON. By winning in Kampala, they can avoid relying on the final home match against South Sudan to qualify. They are likely to employ a conservative tactical approach, with several long passes aimed at fast players like Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena.
Key Stats
- Uganda is winless in 5 matches against South Africa (3 losses, 2 draws).
- Uganda has won their last 3 matches, scoring 7 goals in their last 4 fixtures.
- South Africa is unbeaten in 17 matches (11 draws, 6 wins).
- Both Teams to Score (Yes) has occurred in 3 of South Africa's last 4 matches.
So buckle up for an exciting clash between Uganda and South Africa! Will the Cranes manage to beat Bafana Bafana for the first time, or will South Africa extend their winning streak against them? Place your bets and find out!
Bet Now: AFCON
Football analyst James O'Connor provides in-depth insights on this match, as well as tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. You can follow him on Twitter @footy_analysis for more expert analysis.
- The Cranes, on a winning streak in their last three AFCON qualifiers, will face South Africa in a must-watch match, aiming to secure their first victory over Bafana Bafana.
- crucial players to watch for Uganda include goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, midfielder Denis Omedi, and central defender Bevis Mugabi, while Khalid Aucho offers a familiar face to the South African team.
- Bafana Bafana needs just a point to secure their spot in AFCON, and they are likely to employ a conservative tactical approach, relying on long passes to fast players like Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena.
- South Africa's Hugo Broos has an unbeaten streak of 17 matches, but Uganda has scored 7 goals in their last 4 fixtures, making a tight contest.
- For expert analysis on the match between Uganda and South Africa, follow football analyst James O'Connor on Twitter @footy_analysis, offering in-depth insights on the PSL and English Premier League.
