Uganda v South Africa – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Cranes have won their last three AFCON qualifiers but have never beaten Bafana Bafana in five previous encounters. Both nations are on track to qualify for the tournament.

Uganda Form

Uganda appointed Paul Put as coach in November 2023, and he has turned their fortunes around. In June, Uganda played two World Cup qualifiers, defeating Botswana 1-0 at home and narrowly losing 2-1 at home to Algeria after initially leading. AFCON qualifying began with a 2-2 away draw in South Africa, where they conceded a last-minute goal to forfeit a 2-1 lead.

Since then, Uganda has secured three straight wins, putting them close to qualification. They defeated Congo 2-0 at home, beat South Sudan 1-0 in Kampala, and recently won 2-1 away against South Sudan.

Uganda Team News

Coach Paul Put has no major stars in his squad. Ismail Watenga from Golden Arrows will start in goal, while Denis Omedi, a key midfielder, recently scored in qualifying against both South Africa and South Sudan.

Central defender Bevis Mugabi, who plays in the Cypriot First Division, is crucial defensively and effective on set pieces. Khalid Aucho, formerly with Baroka FC and now with Yanga SC, is well-known to the South African team.

Uganda Motivation

Although qualification is nearly secured, Uganda will be motivated to perform well and achieve their first victory over Bafana Bafana.

Their tactics are quite direct, focusing on their physical front three. They will likely avoid overplaying or dominating possession.

South Africa Form

South Africa’s last defeat was in January in their AFCON opener against Mali. They have since gone 17 matches unbeaten, though 11 of those ended in draws. A 1-1 draw in Nigeria and a 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in World Cup qualifying were followed by a group-stage exit in the COSAFA Cup.

AFCON qualifiers started with a 2-2 home draw against Uganda, salvaged by Thalente Mbatha’s 95th-minute equalizer. Four days later, Mbatha scored again to secure a late 3-2 win over South Sudan. In the recent FIFA break, Bafana beat Congo 5-0 at home and drew 1-1 away with the same opponent.

Southa Africa Team News

Hugo Broos has left out Percy Tau and Grant Kekana from the squad. Lyle Foster is injured, so Evidence Makgopa returns to lead the attack. Winger Mihlali Mayambela is also out, with Devin Titus named as his replacement.

In defense, Siyabonga Ngezana returns and will compete with Mothobi Mvala to partner Rushwin Dortley. With Themba Zwane out long-term, either Thalente Mbatha or Patrick Maswanganyi will play as the number ten.

South Africa Motivation

Bafana Bafana needs just a point to ensure AFCON qualification. They will aim to secure it in Kampala to avoid relying on Tuesday’s home match against South Sudan.

A conservative tactical approach is expected, with several long passes aimed at fast players like Iqraam Rayners and Thapelo Morena.

Key Stats

Uganda is winless in 5 matches against South Africa (3 losses, 2 draws)

Uganda has won their last 3 matches, scoring 7 goals in their last 4 fixtures

South Africa is unbeaten in 17 matches (11 draws, 6 wins)

Both Teams to Score (Yes) has occurred in 3 of South Africa’s last 4 matches

Verdict

This match could be closely contested. South Africa has the capability to secure a score draw away from home.