*By John Kusolo*
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
Venue: Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM (under floodlights)
The Uganda Cranes will aim to solidify their top position in Group K when they take on South Sudan at the Mandela National Stadium in a crucial AFCON qualifier. Uganda, currently unbeaten, will be looking to maintain their momentum following an impressive start to their campaign, which included a 2-0 victory over Congo and a hard-fought 2-2 draw against South Africa in September.
The Cranes enter the game with four points from their opening two fixtures. In their last outing, a stunning 2-2 draw away to South Africa, Uganda’s Rogers Mato and Denis Omedi produced wonder strikes to secure a vital point against Bafana Bafana. Earlier, a convincing 2-0 victory over Congo in Namboole saw goals from Aziz Kayondo and Jude Ssemugabi, boosting Uganda’s AFCON qualification hopes.
As the team prepares for their third match, they will look to build on their solid form and extend their unbeaten run. Uganda’s performances so far have been encouraging, with a disciplined defense and moments of brilliance in attack.
South Sudan, on the other hand, is still searching for their first points of the campaign. The Bright Stars suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Congo in Brazzaville, followed by a heart-breaking 3-2 loss to South Africa at home in Juba. Despite these setbacks, South Sudan showed resilience and promise, particularly in their thrilling contest against Bafana Bafana. They will hope to carry that spirit into their clash with Uganda and upset the group leaders.
Coach Nichola Dupuis’ side will be motivated to bounce back, and they could prove a tough opponent, especially with several players familiar with Ugandan football. This familiarity, stemming from the fact that many South Sudanese players ply their trade in the Uganda Premier League, adds an extra dimension to this encounter.
Uganda’s head coach Paul Put has named a strong 27-man squad for the October qualifiers, bringing back some notable names such as Taddeo Lwanga, Gavin Kizito, and Derrick Nsibambi. These players, absent for a while, will provide experience and depth to the squad. However, the Cranes will be without right-back Elvis Bwomono, left-back Joseph Ochaya, and striker Muhammad Shaban, who have been left out for this fixture.
Promising talents like Calvin Kabuye and KCCA’s silky attacker Shafik ‘Nana’ Kwikiriza have been called up and could make their debuts on Friday. Uganda’s defense, led by the likes of Bevis Mugabi and Elio Capradossi, will be crucial in stopping South Sudan’s attacking threats, while forwards like Mato and Omedi will look to continue their fine form in front of goal.
South Sudan, coached by Nichola Dupuis, has named a 26-man squad for their October double-header. Notably, NEC right-back Joseph Dhata misses out due to injury, but SC Villa striker Francis Onekalit may make his debut. Ugandan-based players Geriga Atendele, Gaddafi Wahab, Rashid Okocha, and former Vipers stars Tito Okello and Rashid Toha are expected to play key roles for South Sudan.
There have been reports that Dupuis is currently dealing with family issues in France and might only join the team on match day in Kampala. Despite this, South Sudan will look to their experienced players to provide leadership in his absence.
*Head-to-Head Record*
Historically, Uganda has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of the six encounters between the two nations. South Sudan has only managed one victory, with one match ending in a draw. The two sides have met twice before in AFCON qualifiers, with each team securing one win. However, Uganda’s recent form and home advantage make them favorites going into this match.
Uganda is unbeaten in the current AFCON qualifiers, with one win and one draw.
South Sudan has not won any of their first two matches in this campaign, suffering narrow defeats to Congo and South Africa.
South Sudan’s last victory in international football came in September 2023, when they defeated Kenya in a friendly.
The Bright Stars have only won one of their last 10 international matches, while Uganda has shown resilience with strong performances in high-pressure games.
Uganda’s Probable Line-Up
Goalkeeper: Ismail Watenga
Defense: Derrick Ssemakula, Elio Capradossi, Bevis Mugabi, Aziz Kayondo
Midfield: Khalid Aucho (Captain), Taddeo Lwanga, Travis Mutyaba
Attack: Derrick Nsibambi, Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi
This match is poised to be a thrilling contest under the floodlights at Mandela National Stadium. While Uganda will be aiming to maintain their grip on the top spot in Group K, South Sudan will be desperate to get off the mark with their first points. Given the high stakes, both teams are expected to bring their best performances, with Uganda counting on their home support and unbeaten streak to carry them through. South Sudan, meanwhile, will hope to cause an upset and reignite their AFCON qualifying hopes.
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