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Uganda Cranes all but through to the 2025 AFCON

Uganda Cranes took a significant step towards 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification with a hard-fought 2-1 win over South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday.

Denis Omedi’s 16th-minute strike and an own goal from Alfred Leku sealed the victory, moving Uganda to 10 points from four games at Martyrs of Benina stadium.

Despite Yohanna Juma’s consolation, which proved not enough to salvage a point for South Sudan, the Cranes are mathematically not qualified but realistically through to AFCON 2025 after missing the previous two editions.

Striker Omedi drew first blood after 16 minutes from a clinical finish thanks to Allan Okello’s precise pass.

The Bright Stars would later find an equalizer through Yohanna Juma, whose ferocious strike from 20 yards went beyond the stretch of custodian Ismail Watenga.

Another substitute Steven Mukwala had a chance to make it three, but his well-taken volley went wide while Omedi’s distant freekick towards the end was saved out for a futile corner.

With four games played, Uganda Cranes have ten points after managing three wins and one draw. The Cranes are just three points above South Africa and six better than Congo Brazaville.

Uganda might seal AFCON qualification by closure of business today, Tuesday, only if South Africa wins against Congo Brazaville in the other upcoming group K match to be played at 7 PM.

But a draw or Congo win will prolong Cranes celebrations till November 2024 in the final two qualifier games against South Africa (Namboole) and Congo Brazaville (Away).

Uganda Cranes X1

Isima Watenga (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Abdul Aziz Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halid Lwaliwa, Taddeo Lwanga, Aucho Khalid ©, Allan Okello, Denis Omedi, Mato Rogers Khassim, and Derrick Nsibambi

Subs: Nafian Alionzi, Charles Lukwago, Gavin Kizito, Isaac Muleme, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Ronald Ssekiganda, Timothy Awany, Jude Ssemugabi, Shafik Kwikiriza, Calvin Kabuye, Steven Mukwala