The Uganda Cranes will play their neighbor South Sudan under the floodlights of Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Friday with the goal of maintaining their place at the top of Group K of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Uganda has played two games so far, against Congo Brazzaville (2-0) and South Africa (2-2), and they now lead the group with four points.
Goals from Jude Semugabi and Aziz Kayondo helped Paul Put’s team defeat Congo Brazzaville 2-0 in their most recent encounter.
South Sudan is looking for their first point of the season after losing to South Africa and the Congo 3-2 and 1-0 in September.
Muhammad Shaban, a striker for Uganda, was left off the Put’s 27-man roster for the South Sudan double header due to injury.
Derrick Nsibambi of KCCA FC, who rejoins the national squad, is one of the candidates to start up front.
South Sudan is anticipated to give SC Villa forward Francis Onekalit his debut, although NEC FC right defender Joseph Dhata will be sidelined due to injury.
Players Geriga Atendele, Gaddafi Wahab, Rashid Toha, Rashid Okocha, and Tito Okello, who are all located in Uganda, are anticipated to play prominent roles for the guests.
In their past ten international encounters, South Sudan has only managed one victory, losing five and drawing four.
In their six prior meetings, Uganda has won four of the matches, South Sudan has won one, and one has resulted in a draw.
