South Africa Vs Uganda: The First Clash In The 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations Qualifiers
- South Africa is set to face Uganda in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Bafana Bafana and the Cranes are part of Group K, which also includes South Sudan and Congo in the qualifying series.
- Briefly News brings you all the essential details you need ahead of this thrilling match.
As the football world gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, South Africa is ready to kick off their campaign against Uganda. The second game will see them take on South Sudan, and there’s a lot riding on these matches. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, and for good reason.
The Bafana Bafana finished third in the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, and now they're aiming to qualify for the next tournament in Morocco. With Hugo Broos at the helm, expectations are high for the team to deliver strong performances.
Briefly News takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming clash between South Africa and Uganda, ensuring you're fully prepared for game day.
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What to Know About Bafana Bafana vs Uganda
Match Preview
South Africa, Uganda, South Sudan, and Congo have been placed in Group K for the qualifying rounds, with the Bafana Bafana hosting the Cranes in their opening match. This is a pivotal moment for both teams, as they look to stake their claim in the competition.
After years of inconsistent performances, South Africa made significant strides in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing third. Their only loss in regulation time was to Mali, and since then, they’ve remained unbeaten, including a memorable 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers. The team's home record is particularly impressive, with no losses in their last 12 home games since a 4-1 setback to Angola in September 2022.
On the other side, Uganda hasn’t participated in the Africa Cup of Nations since 2019, when they reached the round of 16. Their recent form in friendly matches has been mixed, with a win against Kuwait, a loss to Comoros, and a draw against Ghana. According to Sports Mole, their last two matches included a 1-0 victory over Botswana and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Algeria. It’s clear that both teams have their work cut out for them.
Team News
Both South Africa and Uganda have announced their squads for this crucial tie, but there are some notable absences. For the Bafana Bafana, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is out due to injury, leaving Belgian coach Hugo Broos to call up Ricardo Goss, Veli Mothwa, and Sipho Chaine as replacements. Fans will be watching closely to see how these players perform under pressure.
Another blow for South Africa is the absence of Percy Tau, who has been dropped by Broos for this game. Meanwhile, Uganda isn’t spared from challenges either, as they’ll be without key players like Moses Opondo, Allan Kyambadde, and Uche Ikpeazu. Kenneth Semakula and Halid Lwaliwa missed the squad due to visa complications, adding to Uganda’s roster woes.
How to Watch and Venue Details
The much-anticipated match will take place at the iconic Orlando Stadium in Soweto, a venue steeped in football history. Tickets are already on sale, and fans are encouraged to purchase them early to avoid disappointment. If you can’t make it to the stadium, don’t worry—SuperSport and SABC Sport will be broadcasting the game live, ensuring that fans across the country can enjoy the action.
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Time and Date
The gates at Orlando Stadium will open at 3:00 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024. Make sure to plan accordingly and arrive early to soak in the atmosphere before the game begins.
Head-to-Head Stats
South Africa and Uganda first crossed paths in 2004, and since then, they’ve faced each other four times. The Bafana Bafana have emerged victorious in all encounters, including a memorable COSAFA Cup match in 2019 that ended in a penalty shootout win for South Africa. History seems to favor the home team, but football is full of surprises, and anything can happen on the day.
What to Expect from the Match
Given their unbeaten record against Uganda and the home advantage, South Africa are expected to dominate this match. Broos’ men are in good form, and with Uganda missing several key players due to injuries and visa issues, the odds seem stacked in favor of the Bafana Bafana. However, football is unpredictable, and Uganda will undoubtedly bring their A-game, hoping to pull off an upset.
New Faces in Broos’ Preliminary Squad
Briefly News has already highlighted the six new players who have earned their first call-ups to the Bafana Bafana team. Broos has released a 38-man preliminary squad for the two qualifiers, and he’s expected to trim the list down to around 23 players in the days leading up to the matches. This presents an exciting opportunity for new talent to shine on the international stage.
As the countdown begins, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between South Africa and Uganda. It’s a chance for both teams to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the excitement, this match promises to deliver plenty of drama and passion. Don’t miss it!
