Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 15, 2024 at 1pm UK

Mandela National Stadium

Ugandavs.South Africa

Match preview

Uganda came into these qualifiers as the third-favourite to make it out of the group, but they've done better than that. They've won three games and drawn one, which puts them in the lead going into the final two games.

The Cranes took the top spot in the group last month when they beat South Sudan 1-0 at home and 2-1 on the road. This followed a 2-0 win against Congo on matchday two back in September.

The only games Paul Put's team lost in this competition were against their upcoming opponents in the first round. Thalente Mbatha equalised in the last minute, which was a shame because it meant they didn't get the win on enemy territory.

The Cranes have had a great year, losing only two of their nine matches. The only losses were against Comoros in a friendly back in March and a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in World Cup qualifying in June.

However, while they'll be entering this match with confidence and a healthy buffer over third-placed Congo, it's worth noting that Uganda has never beaten this opponent in five previous attempts spanning the last two decades (W0 D1 L4).

Meanwhile, after a few disappointing years on the international stage, South Africa finally made a name for themselves again this year. They had a very impressive 2023 AFCON campaign, beating DR Congo to claim third place.

Since then, Bafana Bafana have played 11 games in total and have remained unbeaten, with four wins and seven draws. They only failed to score in one match during that period.

After drawing with Uganda in the opening round, Hugo Broos's side beat South Sudan 3-2 and thrashed Congo 5-0 in round three. However, they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Leopards four days later.

One big improvement for Bafana Bafana since the last AFCON has been in their attacking play. They've scored 11 goals in this competition, compared to just four between September and November last year, before the tournament in the Ivory Coast.

The visitors have a few key attacking players missing from their line-up this month, including Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who scored two goals for the team in the first four qualifiers.

Recent Performance

Uganda Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DWWW

Uganda form (all competitions):WLDWWW

South Africa Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DWWD

South Africa form (all competitions):DWDWWD

Team News

He revealed his 27-man squad for the final two games of AFCON qualifying last week, including two uncapped players: teenager John Paul Dembe and goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa.

Dembe, who plays for Allsvenskan outfit Hacken, recently finished as the top scorer with six goals in the zonal Under-20 African Championship, while Mugolofa has kept five clean sheets in six games for his club this season.

On top of that, the Cranes have called up Charles Lukwago and Isima Watenga, who play for Venda FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows respectively in the PSL. Former Baroka FC midfielder Khalid Aucho is also part of the squad.

Bafana Bafana were dealt a late injury blow, though, with Mihlali Mayambela forced to withdraw from the squad last weekend after sustaining an injury for Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol.

As we said before, Foster is still in England, and the other big name missing from the South African squad is Themba Zwane. He's out for several months after hurting himself against Congo last month.

Mothobi Mvala, Evidence Makgopa and Relebohile Mofokeng have been brought in to replace the injured trio, but there's still no space in the squad for Al Ahly's Percy Tau, who was originally on the preliminary selection list..

Possible starting lineup

Uganda possible starting lineup:

Watenga; Awany, Mugabi, Lwaliwa, Kayondo; Aucho, Lwanga, Omedi; Okello, Dembe, Mato

South Africa possible starting lineup:

Williams; Mudau, Modiba, Mvala, Mobbie; Mokoena, Aubaas, Mokwana, Appollis; Rayners, Makgopa