Uganda Looking to Make It Two Wins on the Bounce in South Africa
The Cranes will be looking to get their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a positive start when they face South Africa at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday. The match promises to be a highly competitive affair, with both sides looking to secure a crucial three points in Group K.
Uganda will be hoping to carry the momentum from their impressive 1-0 victory over Botswana in their previous match. The Cranes' performance against Botswana, however, was met with a stark contrast in the 1-2 defeat against Algeria. Despite the generally good results, Uganda should find motivation in their 1-2 win the last time they visited South Africa in Africa Cup action in March 2011. The Cranes will need to be at their best if they are to get a result against a South African side that has been on a good run of form in recent matches.
A South African Squad Looking to Build on Recent Success
South Africa are currently in a good place after winning away from home by a score of 1-0 against Eswatini in their most recent match. That win adds to the revelation represented by their early victory in another friendly, especially considering we are talking about a powerhouse team. The South Africans have recorded just one stoppage-time defeat in their last 12 home games in matches played, with one of those wins coming in their most recent home game in the African tournament. To string together another win in front of their home fans, South Africa will need to continue to be on the attacking front, as they have scored the most goals with 6 in the current campaign.
Key Battles To Watch For
The match is expected to be a closely fought contest, with several key battles likely to decide the outcome of the match. Here are some of the key battles to watch for:
Lyle Foster vs Elio Capradossi
The Burnley FC forward is expected to lead the line for Bafana Bafana as Hugo Broos has trusted him in the past matches including the 1-1 draw with Nigeria. While not as quite as prolific as ex-Bafana Bafana stars Benni McCarthy and the like, he can still cause menace to defences. He comes across Uganda’s new kid on the block Elio Capradossi at the heart of defence. Capradossi was lethal in the 1-0 against Botswana and did decently in the defeat against Algeria and will be vital in stopping Foster if Uganda is to leave Johannesburg with at least a point.
Themba Zwane vs Bevis Mugabi
The Bafana Bafana captain on the day will most likely play as one of the forwards and his experience, game understanding, creativity and skill can destroy any defences. If deployed in central attack, he will come up against Bevis Mugabi who returns to the team after missing the World Cup qualifiers in June as he was finalizing his transfer. Mugabi understands the game, reads the game well and has always put up steady performances when in the famous black, yellow and red of the Uganda Cranes.
Mothobi Mvala vs Muhammad Shaban
The nonsense Mvala has been in scintillating form since the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and still done well to help Sundowns perform well domestically. He comes up against lethal striker Muhammad Shaban who is expected to lead the line in the absence of Fahad Bayo who has led the forward line in the past two matches for Uganda. Shaban’s speed, anticipation and prolific foot and head will come against scrutiny against the solid Mvala.
Teboho Mokwena vs Khalid Aucho
One of the finest midfielders on the continent Mokwena has become a vital part of the Bafana Bafana midfield for now and his performance on the day will determine how the match ends. Against Uganda Cranes skipper Khalid Aucho who is back in the fold after missing the World Cup qualifiers in June through injury. Grit and steel of Aucho versus the finesse of Mokwena will not only be a joy to watch but also a determinant of the outcome on the day.
Chris Mudau/Aubrey Modiba vs Rogers Mato
Rogers Mato will be deployed on either the right or left wing and wherever he will play, he faces formidable opponents in either Mudau on the right or Modiba on the left. The two defend well and also love going forward to support the attackers but in Mato, they have a formidable pacy winger who will ask a few questions.
Yaya Sithole vs Travis Mutyaba
Mutyaba has of recent been handed the creative roles of the team as witnessed in the game against Algeria and others since the arrival of Paul Put. The ex-SC Villa and Zamalek diminutive skillful midfielder will face a stern test against Sithole who takes no prisoners approach in the centre of the pack.
How to Watch The Match Live
The match will be shown live by the public broadcaster, SABC 3. It is also available on SABC+, SABCSport.com and on all SABC Radio Stations. The kick-off time for the South Africa vs Uganda match on September 6, 2024, in several countries is:
- Argentina: 11:00 AM
- Bolivia: 10:00 AM
- Brasil: 11:00 AM
- Chile: 10:00 AM
- Colombia: 9:00 AM
- Ecuador: 9:00 AM
- USA (ET): 11:00 AM
- España: 4:00 PM
- México: 10:00 AM
- Paraguay: 3:00
- Perú: 9:00 AM
- Uruguay: 11:00 AM
- Venezuela: 10:00 AM
The Final Word
The match between South Africa and Uganda is sure to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides looking to secure a vital three points. The key battles discussed above will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Be sure to tune in and watch the match live to see who comes out on top in this important AFCON qualifier.
