Uganda Cranes continued their impressive start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers with a solid 2-0 victory over Congo on Monday night at Mandela National Stadium.
Playing under the floodlights and in front of a packed crowd, Uganda added to their earlier 2-2 draw against South Africa with this crucial win.
Goals from defender Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and substitute Jude Ssemugabi, one in each half, secured all three points for the Cranes.
Coach Paul Put made two changes to the lineup that faced South Africa.
Kenneth Semakula replaced Elvis Bwomono at right-back, while Shaban Muhammad took Steven Mukwala’s place upfront.
Uganda’s first real chance came in the 15th minute when Rogers Mato broke into the box after receiving a long pass from Ronald Ssekiganda, but his effort failed to find the target.
Just five minutes later, Kayondo opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, as his swerving cross caught the Congo defense off guard and found the back of the net, sending the home fans into celebration.
Kayondo continued to threaten, making a lung-bursting run into the box in the 25th minute, but his cross couldn’t find a teammate.
Mato also came close to doubling Uganda’s lead, beating his marker down the left wing, but his shot missed by inches.
Shaban Muhammad was forced to leave the field in the 43rd minute after suffering a muscle injury, and was replaced by Jude Ssemugabi.
In the second half, Coach Put made further changes, bringing on Halidi Lwaliwa for Elio Capradossi and Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba.
Okello quickly made an impact, assisting the second goal in the 87th minute.
After a brilliant run down the right, he cut inside and delivered a perfect outside-of-the-boot pass to Ssemugabi, who was well-positioned to slot the ball home and seal the win.
With this victory, Uganda now sits on four points from two games and will face South Sudan in a doubleheader next month.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Isima Watenga, Kenneth Semakula, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Muhammad Shaban, Rogers Mato
Substitutes
Nafian Alionzi, Charles Lukwago, James Penz Begisa, Halidi Lwaliwa, Joel Sserunjogi, Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Muleme, Calvin Kabuye, Joachiam Ojera
