Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Oct 15, 2024 at 2pm UK

Juba Stadium

South Sudan vs Uganda

Match preview

Despite being in the ascendancy for much of their clash with South Sudan, Uganda narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Friday.

Bevis Mugabi picked the perfect time to open his account for Paul Put's men, breaking the deadlock less than two minutes into the second period to break the deadlock in a tight encounter.

The Cranes have now won back-to-back matches for the first time since January and are unbeaten in five of their last six matches, their only defeat coming in a World Cup qualifier against Algeria in June.

Although only on goal difference, Uganda sit top of Group K, level on points with South Africa and four clear of third-placed Congo Republic.

A win for the visitors on Tuesday would see them safely through to the group stages of the next AFCON, should Congo fail to take all three points against South Africa.

South Sudan did not do much wrong in their defeat to Uganda, but a lack of cutting edge in attack once again proved to be their undoing.

Nicolas Dupuis' men failed to find the back of the net for the fourth time in seven games since the turn of the year, and it is hardly surprising that they are winless in that time.

A fourth defeat on the bounce last time out has further dampened the spirits of the Bright Stars, whose wait for a maiden AFCON appearance looks set to continue barring a drastic turn of events.

One of three teams without a point at the midway point of the qualifying campaign, South Sudan are rooted to the bottom of Group J, seven points adrift of safety with just three games remaining.

Anything less than victory on Tuesday will seal the hosts' fate and, having failed to win on home soil since 2022, South Sudan have everything to play for in a must-win encounter in front of their home fans.

Recent Performance

South Sudan Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DDLLL

South Sudan form (all competitions):DDLLLL

Uganda Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DWW

Uganda form (all competitions):DWLDWW

Injuries and suspensions

South Sudan

No sidelined players

Uganda

No sidelined players

Possible starting lineups

South Sudan possible starting lineup:

Jenaro; Ouma, Angier, Malis; Loki, Okocha, Taban, Juma; Gaddafi, Majak, Thomas

Uganda possible starting lineup:

Watenga; Kayondo, Mugabi, Lwaliwa, Semakula; Ssekiganda, Mutyaba, Aucho; Mato, Omedi, Ssemugabi