Uganda Takes Command of AFCON Qualifying Group with a 2-0 Victory over Congo ¦ Sbk Sports Mail

Brian Sentuuya🇺🇬

Uganda’s national football team, the Cranes, took a massive step towards qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by claiming a 2-0 victory over Congo at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Monday. This win, in front of a packed stadium of passionate Ugandan fans, saw Uganda seize control of Group K, opening up a crucial four-point lead. The home crowd witnessed their team deliver a commanding performance, sending a strong signal to the rest of the group that Uganda is a force to be reckoned with in this campaign.

Uganda’s win over Congo followed a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa at Orlando Stadium. That match was an emotional rollercoaster for Ugandan fans, as the Cranes fought hard to take the lead in the second half, only to see their efforts dashed by a last-gasp equalizer from South Africa’s debutant Thalente Mbatha deep into injury time. Although the draw was a disappointment, it demonstrated Uganda’s fighting spirit, and the team carried that momentum into their clash with Congo.

Congo, coming off the back of a narrow 1-0 victory over South Sudan just days before, entered the match with high hopes of building on their momentum. However, they were met with a Uganda side playing with renewed energy and confidence. The Cranes, eager to give their home fans something to celebrate, quickly took control of the match and never looked back. It was a tactical masterclass from Uganda, as they executed their game plan to perfection.

From the opening whistle, Uganda’s intent was clear. Head coach Paul Put made two crucial changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Kenneth Ssemakula at right-back and Muhammad Shaban at center-forward. The adjustments paid off immediately, as Uganda dominated possession and pushed Congo back into their own half. The high tempo and intensity of the Ugandan players unsettled Congo, who struggled to get a foothold in the game during the opening exchanges.

The turning point came in the 21st minute when Uganda’s left-back Aziz Kayondo, who currently plays for FC Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic, unleashed a moment of magic. Spotting Congo’s goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila off his line, Kayondo sent a soaring cross-shot from the left flank that flew over the goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net. The crowd erupted into cheers as Uganda took a deserved lead, with Kayondo’s goal providing the perfect lift for the home side.

Congo struggled to respond to Uganda’s early dominance and found themselves on the back foot for most of the first half. Uganda nearly doubled their lead just minutes after Kayondo’s opener when Rogers Kassim Mato found himself with a golden opportunity inside the box. However, Mato’s shot was saved by Congo’s goalkeeper Ndzila, who kept his team in the game with a crucial stop. Uganda continued to press, with midfield maestro Ronald Ssekiganda pulling the strings and creating several chances for his teammates.

Congo’s first real chance came on the half-hour mark when defender Destin Bidounga connected with a powerful header from a set-piece. However, Uganda’s goalkeeper Isima Watenga was equal to the task, making a fine save to keep the Cranes in the lead. The save was met with applause from the Ugandan fans, who appreciated their goalkeeper’s quick reflexes and composure under pressure.

The game was briefly interrupted midway through the first half when a section of the stadium lights went out. The unexpected delay gave both teams a chance to regroup and take a breather, but it did little to disrupt Uganda’s momentum. When play resumed, Uganda’s captain Khalid Aucho produced a brilliant defensive block to deny Congo’s Antoine Makoumbou a clear shot at goal.

As the first half drew to a close, Congo came close to equalizing when Silvere Ganvoula Mboussy latched onto a cross from Merveil Ndockyt, but the striker could not find the back of the net. Uganda breathed a sigh of relief as the ball sailed wide, and the half ended with the Cranes holding onto their narrow lead. Unfortunately for Uganda, forward Muhammad Shaban picked up an injury late in the first half and had to be substituted, with Kitara FC’s Jude Ssemugabi coming on in his place.

Congo came out of the dressing room for the second half with a renewed sense of urgency, determined to find an equalizer. They pressed high up the pitch, forcing Uganda onto the back foot. Uganda’s defense, led by Khalid Aucho and Kristopher Mugabi, stood firm against Congo’s onslaught. Mugabi, in particular, was a rock at the back, making crucial tackles and interceptions to thwart Congo’s attacking efforts.

Uganda, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Kayondo, who was having a stellar game, continued to cause problems for Congo down the left flank. His incisive passing nearly resulted in a second goal for Uganda when Mato latched onto one of his through balls, but Congo’s goalkeeper Ndzila was quick off his line to snuff out the danger. Uganda’s ability to transition from defense to attack was a key factor in keeping Congo on the back foot.

Congo had their best chance to equalize just after the hour mark when captain Silvere Ganvoula Mboussy rose highest to meet a corner from Ndockyt, but his header flew inches over the bar. It was a let-off for Uganda, who immediately responded by making a tactical change. Coach Paul Put brought on Allan Okello and Halid Lwaliwa to add fresh legs to the team, replacing Travis Mutyaba and Elio Capradossi, respectively. The substitutions helped Uganda regain control of the game.

As the clock ticked down, Uganda continued to push for a second goal to put the game beyond Congo’s reach. Jude Ssemugabi, who had come on as a first-half substitute, was eager to make an impact. In the 85th minute, his moment finally arrived. Allan Okello delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Ssemugabi, who took one touch , firing a low shot past Ndzila to double Uganda’s lead. The stadium erupted in celebration as Ssemugabi wheeled away in delight, having sealed the win for Uganda.

With just minutes left to play, Congo’s hopes of a comeback were dashed. The visitors appealed for a penalty after Kenneth Ssemakula made contact with Prestige Mboungou inside the box, but the referee waved play on. Uganda’s defense held firm, and the final whistle was greeted with wild cheers from the home crowd. The victory was a testament to Uganda’s teamwork, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance.

The win lifted Uganda to four points in Group K, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. With four matches remaining in the group stage, Uganda will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the tournament. The Cranes have shown that they are capable of competing with the best teams on the continent, and their performance against Congo will give them confidence going forward.

Congo, despite the defeat, showed flashes of their quality, particularly through captain Mboussy and winger Ndockyt. However, they will need to regroup quickly if they hope to remain in contention for AFCON qualification. Their next match against South Sudan will be crucial, as they look to bounce back from this setback.

South Sudan will host South Africa in the next group match, with Bafana Bafana eager to get their campaign back on track. A win for South Africa could see them challenge Uganda for the top spot in Group K, making the upcoming fixtures all the more exciting. As the AFCON qualifiers continue, Uganda’s victory over Congo has set the stage for a thrilling race to the finish.