AFCON 2025Q: South Africa Deny Uganda Cranes Perfect Start

Uganda Cranes were left heartbroken after conceding a last-gasp equalizer in a 2-2 draw against South Africa in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match at Orlando Stadium.

Paul Put’s men were on course for a historic win, but Sibongakonke Mbatha’s late strike in added time snatched a point for the hosts.

Lyle Foster, currently playing for EFL Championship side Burnley, capitalized on a strong start from the Bafana Bafana to grab an early lead, poking in past Cranes goalkeeper Ismail Watenga in the 15th minute.

The Cranes weathered the storm, with Watenga pulling off key saves to keep the deficit at one by halftime.

Uganda came out strong in the second half, finding an equalizer just five minutes in through Denis Omedi.

The Kitara FC striker unleashed a shot from outside the box to level the score and silence the home crowd.

Just two minutes later, Rogers Mato followed up with another long-range effort that South African goalkeeper Veli Mothwa failed to handle, putting the Cranes 2-1 up.

The Cranes defended resolutely for much of the second half and looked poised to claim their first-ever victory over South Africa.

However, deep into stoppage time, Mbatha found the back of the net with a shot off the post after Uganda failed to clear their lines, salvaging a point for the hosts.

Despite the disappointment, the result will be seen as a positive start to Uganda’s AFCON qualification campaign, particularly against a group favorite.

The Cranes will now turn their attention to their next match, a home fixture against Congo at Namboole Stadium on Monday, with Congo leading the group after a 1-0 victory over South Sudan.

More details to follow