Fixtures at 8pm
- Uganda vs South Africa - Namboole
- Algeria vs Niger - Nyayo Stadium (Kenya)
The Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, is set to erupt tonight as Uganda Cranes take on the Republic of South Africa in a decisive African Cup of Nations group-stage clash at 8pm local time.
Tickets sold out two days ago, and anticipation is at fever pitch.
Both teams trained yesterday, appearing fit and sharp for a game that could determine their quarterfinal fate.
Victory for either side guarantees progression, raising the stakes to the level of a final. But for Uganda, they have to do the hard way with two slices of history at stake.
They have never beaten South Africa in any competitive match with the Bafana Bafana commanding a 4-2-0 record for wins, draws and losses.
And to do it today inside the Mecca that is Namboole would be doubly sweet as it stamps the Cranes signature on the quarterfinal place, another history.
Uganda head coach Morley Byekwaso spoke at a press briefing, expressing confidence while acknowledging the magnitude of the match.
“We are very prepared for this game. South Africa is a tactical and knowledgeable side, but even a great team can fall in a final. We are ready,” he said, highlighting Uganda’s rebound from an opening defeat to top the group with two vital wins.
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⚽ Uganda vs South Africa: Head-to-Head
- Total Matches Played: 6
- South Africa Wins: 4
- Uganda Wins: 0
- Draws: 2
- Goals Scored: South Africa 17, Uganda 11
- Average Goals per Match: 2.75
Recent Encounters
- Nov 15, 2024: South Africa 2–0 Uganda – Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
- Sep 6, 2024: South Africa 2–2 Uganda – Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
- Jun 10, 2021: South Africa 3–2 Uganda – International Friendly
- Jun 4, 2019: Uganda 1–1 South Africa – Cosafa Cup
- Jul 10, 2012: South Sudan 2–2 Uganda – International Friendly
- Mar 26, 2005: South Africa 2–1 Uganda – Fifa World Cup Qualifier
- Oct 10, 2004: Uganda 0–1 South Africa – Fifa World Cup Qualifier
Source: AiScore
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Team Updates
Byekwaso confirmed the suspension of KCCA midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, who picked up a second booking in the previous match.
However, he welcomed the return of Enock Ssebaggala, expected to join Abdul Karim Watambala in midfield.
“If we win and top the group, we shall be the first team to qualify, and that would be a sublime experience for the technical team and fans,” the coach added.
Vipers midfielder Watambala echoed the coach’s determination.
“Playing at home comes with big demands. Everyone in the team is working hard, and we are ready to give a collective performance. We want to make the fans proud,” he said.
Outside the press room, Kampala has been alive with chants, vuvuzelas, and the colors of red, black, and yellow as fans gear up to rally behind their team.
For many, tonight is more than just football—it is an opportunity for Uganda to assert its growing presence in African football.
As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on whether Byekwaso’s men can withstand South Africa’s organised pressing and use the home crowd’s energy to tilt the momentum in their favor.
Namboole is ready to become a cauldron of passion, noise, and history in the making.
Meanwhile, Algeria will take on Niger in the other Group C game seeking nothing but victory to guarantee their place in the knockout stage.
