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German Uganda Cranes seek victory to secure AFCON qualification in crucial match against Bafana Bafana.
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The Uganda Cranes will face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a crucial return leg at Namboole Stadium this Friday, November 15.
This match serves as Uganda’s last home game in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers before they travel to Congo Brazzaville for their final group-stage match. After a 2-2 draw in September’s first leg, the Cranes are eager for a victory to secure their place in the AFCON tournament.
Uganda currently tops Group K with 10 points, edging closer to its first AFCON appearance since 2019. A win on Friday would seal their qualification, while a loss would leave the team’s fate dependent on Congo Brazzaville’s result against South Sudan.
Head Coach Paul Put confirmed that all players have arrived at the camp and are actively preparing for the game with intensive training sessions.
The only player missing from the squad is young star Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, a Senior Six student who will be sitting for exams during the match period.
According to Coach Put, the decision to keep Kwikiriza out was jointly made by his family, his club, and officials from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to prioritize his academic commitments.
However, Kwikiriza is expected to rejoin the team for the Congo Brazzaville match, as his exam timetable permits.
Coach Put remains optimistic about the Cranes’ chances, emphasizing the importance of team unity and the goal of making the nation proud.
A win against South Africa would secure
Uganda’s spot in the AFCON, while a loss would mean the Cranes must hope that Congo Brazzaville does not defeat South Sudan in their own Friday match.
Fans across Uganda are gearing up to support the Cranes at Namboole, rallying behind the team’s mission to return to AFCON and cement their status as one of Africa’s rising football powers.
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