The Uganda Cranes, the national football team of Uganda, defeated Congo 2-0 in pool K of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, sparking celebrations at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Uganda won spectacularly thanks to goals in each half from defender Abdu Azizi Kayondo and Jude Ssemugabi, a late first-half substitution.
The Cranes were energetic from the opening whistle till the end of the game, as they were playing their second game at home in more than three years.
The team that drew 2 all away to South Africa saw two changes made by head coach Paul Put: Muhammad Shaban, who passed a late fitness test, took over Steven Desse Mukwala’s position at center forward, while Kenneth Ssemakula replaced Elvis Bwomono at right defense.
Uganda dominated the first few minutes of play and had the game going quickly.
Ryan Maxime of Congo Melki Mehrez, the Tunisian referee, cautioned Destin Bidounga for a foul on Travis Mutyaba in the eighteenth minute.
Two minutes later, a long-range soaring cross over goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila—who happens to be Rwanda’s APR—lit up the fervent supporters. Kayondo, the left back for Uganda, is currently playing for FC Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic.
With five minutes remaining, the stadium roared as Okello helped Ssemugabi with an explicit pass off the boot laces.
