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Ugandans are confident that they will overcome South Africans in group K clash at the AFCON 2025 qualifiers
South Africa and Uganda kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with an intriguing matchup at Orlando Stadium in Soweto this Friday evening.
Both teams are eager to make a strong start in Group K, which also includes Congo and South Sudan.
South Africa, rejuvenated after a strong performance in the last Africa Cup of Nations, enter this game with significant momentum.
Bafana Bafana, managed by Hugo Broos, made headlines by securing third place in the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
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12:07 - 05.09.2024
Okumu's teammate fires shot as Zimbabwe set sight on victory against Harambee Stars in AFCON qualifiers
Zimbabwe captain Marshall Munetsi leads the Warriors against Kenya in AFCON qualifiers under new coach Michael Nees' guidance.
They impressively dispatched Morocco in the knockout stages before narrowly losing to Nigeria in the semi-finals.
South Africa's unbeaten run on home soil stretches back to September 2022, with a record that includes a 4-1 defeat to Angola in a different competition.
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09:00 - 05.09.2024
Tanzania held by Ethiopia as AFCON 2025 qualifiers kick off with tight contests
Tanzania, Ethiopia, and several other teams kicked off their 2025 AFCON qualifiers with closely contested matches across multiple groups.
Since the AFCON, South Africa has maintained a solid form, drawing 1-1 against Nigeria, defeating Zimbabwe 3-1 in World Cup qualifiers, and performing well in the COSAFA Cup.
Despite their strong record, they will be without their captain Ronwen Williams due to injury, which could affect their defensive stability.
On the other side, Uganda aims to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing out in the previous tournament. The Cranes, managed by Paul Put, finished third in their qualifying group for the last AFCON and will be keen to make amends.
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07:26 - 05.09.2024
We must perform at our highest - Super Eagles most handsome says no room for errors in AFCON 2025 qualifiers
The Super Eagles shot-stopper believes Nigeria must be at their best to make the most of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Uganda’s recent performances have been mixed, with a win over Botswana and a loss to Algeria in World Cup qualifiers. They have struggled in their recent friendlies, with notable defeats and a draw against Ghana.
Uganda’s head-to-head record against South Africa is poor, having lost all four encounters, including a penalty shootout loss in the COSAFA Cup in 2019. They will be looking to turn this record around but face a formidable opponent in South Africa.
Team news and line-ups
South Africa:
Manager: Hugo Broos
Possible Starting Line-up: Ricardo Goss; Luke Mudau, Kabelo Ngezana, Mosa Mvala, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Thabo Sithole, Themba Zwane, Percy Kekana; Katlego Rayners, Zakhele Lepasa
Uganda:
Manager: Paul Put
Possible Starting Line-up: Ismail Watenga; Joseph Muleme, Timothy Mugabi, Halid Lwaliwa, Kenneth Semakula; Travis Mutyaba, Ssekiganda, Khalid Aucho; Brian Umony, Yunus Ssentamu, Emmanuel Okello
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