Ugandavs South Africa Preview, Prediction, and Top Wagers
🏟️On Friday afternoon, Uganda hosts South Africa in a highly-anticipated AFCON qualifier. The Cranes have been on a roll, winning their last three AFCON qualifiers, but Bafana Bafana pose a formidable challenge, with Uganda never managing to beat them in their five previous encounters. Both nations are within striking distance of qualifying for the tournament.
Cranes Tactics
Uganda hired Paul Put as coach in November 2023, and he has turned their fortunes around. In June, Uganda played two World Cup qualifiers, defeating Botswana 1-0 at home and narrowly losing 2-1 at home to Algeria after initially leading. Their AFCON qualifying campaign began with a 2-2 away draw in South Africa, where they conceded a last-minute goal to forfeit a 2-1 lead. Since then, Uganda has secured three straight wins, putting them nearly there 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.
Ugandan Roster
Coach Paul Put isn't lugging around any heavyweights, but Ismail Watenga from Golden Arrows will start in goal. Denis Omedi, a pivotal midfielder, has scored in qualifying matches against both South Africa and South Sudan. Central defender Bevis Mugabi, who plays in the Cypriot First Division, is crucial defensively and effective on set pieces. Khalid Aucho, once with Baroka FC and now with Yanga SC, is nothing new to the South African team.
Uganda Determination
Although qualification is nearly secured, Uganda will be motivated to emerge victorious against Bafana Bafana for the first time ever. Their tactics revolve around powering up front with a trio of physical forwards. They'll likely steer clear of overplaying or trying to dominate possession.
Bafana Bafana Form
South Africa's last defeat was in January in their AFCON opener against Mali. They have since gone 17 unbeaten matches, although 11 of those ended in draws. After a 1-1 draw in Nigeria and a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in World Cup qualifying, they experienced a group-stage exit in the COSAFA Cup. Their AFCON qualifiers commenced with a 2-2 home draw against Uganda, rescued by Thalente Mbatha's 95th-minute equalizer. Four days later, Mbatha scored again to secure a late 3-2 win over South Sudan. During the recent FIFA break, Bafana beat Congo 5-0 at home and drew 1-1 away with the same opponent.
South Africa Lineup
Hugo Broos has left out Percy Tau and Grant Kekana from the squad. Lyle Foster is injured, so Evidence Makgopa returns to spearhead the attack. Mihlali Mayambela is unable to participate, and Devin Titus will fill his shoes as a winger. In defense, Siyabonga Ngezana has returned and will vie for playing time alongside Mothobi Mvala and Rushwin Dortley. With Themba Zwane out long-term, either Thalente Mbatha or Patrick Maswanganyi will play as the number ten.
South African Aim
Bafana Bafana will be eyeing a point to guarantee their AFCON qualification. They'll aim to secure it in Kampala, sparing them the reliance on the Tuesday home match against South Sudan. Expect a conservative tactical approach, with numerous long passes targeting speedsters like Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena.
Key Statistics
🏟️Uganda has never beaten South Africa in their five previous encounters.🏟️Uganda has won their last three AFCON qualifiers and seven of their last four matches scoring seven goals.🏟️South Africa has gone 17 unbeaten matches since their last loss in January (11 draws, 6 wins).🏟️In their last four fixtures, Both Teams to Score (Yes) has occurred three times.
betting tips
This match looks like it'll be a nail-biter. South Africa has the potential to snag a score draw in Uganda.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 1.86Alternative Bet: Draw at 2.40Correct Score Tip: Uganda 1-1 South Africa at 4.50
Contributors
James O'Connor
James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has worked for several clubs in various analysis roles.
Twitter: @footy_analysis
- Uganda football team, coached by Paul Put, is likely to aim for a victory against South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the upcoming AFCON qualifier, as they haven't managed to beat them in their five previous encounters.
- Khalid Aucho, previously with Baroka FC, is one of the key players in Uganda's roster for this match, with Denis Omedi, who scored in qualifying matches against both South Africa and South Sudan, being another crucial member.
- Bafana Bafana have shown resilience in their recent performances, having gone unbeaten in their last 17 matches since their defeat in January, with 11 of those ending in draws.
- Evidence Makgopa will spearhead South Africa's attack in the absence of Lyle Foster, as Mihlali Mayambela is unavailable for this game.
- South African coach Hugo Broos may adopt a conservative tactical approach, relying on numerous long passes to speedsters like Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena, in an attempt to secure a point and guarantee their AFCON qualification.
