• Uganda Cranes 0-2 South Africa
Uganda Cranes lost its unbeaten run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following a 2-0 home defeat to South Africa infront of a full-to-capacity Mandela National stadium on Friday.
Two second half goals by substitutes James Thapelo Morena and Patrick Maswanganyi subjected the Cranes to a disheartening atmosphere as South Africa moved to the top of group K.
There was nothing much to write home about in the first half as the two already qualified teams played a dull and barren 45 minutes.
Substitute Morena silenced the huge crowd in the 48th minute after robbing Taddeo Lwanga of possession to riffle in the opener past goalkeeper Isma Watenga.
Midfielder Lwanga was then stretchered off and his position was taken over by Bobosi Byaruhanga.
Towards the end, Maswanganyi iced on the cake with a well placed low ball on the far post after controlling a minus from the left wing and shot home on the turn.
The away win moves South Africa on top of group K with 11 points as Uganda Cranes descends to the second place on 10 points.
The Bafana Bafana will host South Sudan in their final game at home whilst Uganda Cranes travels to Congo Brazaville for their final qualifier matches next week.
Team Lineups:
Uganda Cranes: Isima Watenga (G.K), Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Denis Awanyi, Taddeo Lwanga, Khalid Aucho (Captain), Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Allan Okello
Substitutes: Nafian Alionzi (G.K), Charles Lukwago (G.K), Geofrey Wasswa, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Halidi Lwaliwa, Calvin Kabuye, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ronald Ssekiganda, Hakim Kiwanuka, Isaac Muleme
South Africa: Ronwen Hayden Williams (Captain), Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Oswin Reagan Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Luke Gareth Le Roux, Rushwin Dortley, Mothobi Mvala, Bathusi Jurry Aubaas, Elias Sepho Mokwana, Khuliso Johnson Mudau.
Substitutes: Sage Shane Stephens (G.K), Sipho Justin Chaine (G.K), Nyiko Sydney Mobbie, Fawaaz Basadien, Thalente Wandile Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners, Devin Chandley Titus, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thapelo James Morena
