Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
Group K
Friday Result
Uganda 1 South Sudan 0
Tuesday
South Sudan v Uganda
At Juba Stadium
Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put has urged his players to approach Tuesday’s crucial match against South Sudan in Juba with the mentality of a final, as a victory would secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
“They have everything in their hands now. We are very close to making history, some players for the very first time. They must not let this chance slip away,” said Put.
Bevis Mugabi walks off the pitch after the match. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga
The coach acknowledged the challenge posed by South Sudan but emphasized that the Cranes’ current position in the group standings should provide all the motivation needed.
“It will not be an easy game, but what more motivation do you need than knowing a win in Juba would seal our qualification? We must rise to the occasion and make a statement,” he added.
The Cranes team that beat South Sudan on Friday at Namboole
Uganda is second in Group K, with seven points from three matches, following a 2-2 draw with South Africa in Johannesburg, a 2-0 win against Congo Brazzaville at Namboole, and most recently, a narrow 1-0 victory over South Sudan on Friday at Namboole.
Despite being level on points with group leaders South Africa, Uganda’s inferior goal difference places them in second position.
Although the Cranes secured the three points on Friday through a Bevis Mugabi goal in the 47th minute, their performance left much to be desired.
Many fans at Namboole expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s overall display, demanding a stronger performance in the return leg.
Fans at Namboole Stadium on Friday. PHOTO: Yekoyada Saaka
Coach Put echoed the fans’ concerns, pointing out that his players were too slow in their play and often failed to move the ball forward.
“If you do not play forward and always choose to play a safe pass, you allow your opponents to remain in the game,” he explained.
The Belgian tactician, however, commended the team’s second-half improvement, noting that the winning mentality was evident.
“We just need to build on that. We are close, and staying focused is key,” he urged.
The match at Namboole also highlighted some tactical issues, particularly in midfield.
SC Villa captain Ronald Ssekiganda struggled in the defensive midfield role and was substituted at halftime for Bobosi Byaruhanga, who helped restore balance to Uganda’s midfield.
Experienced midfielder Taddeo Lwanga, currently in good form with APR of Rwanda, was an unused substitute in this game, but local analysts believe his inclusion could strengthen Uganda’s midfield, particularly alongside Khalid Aucho.
Meanwhile, Allan Okello’s second-half introduction proved effective. He played a key role in the build-up to the winning goal, delivering a corner kick that eventually led to Mugabi’s strike.
Okello’s performance suggests that he deserves more playing time, while winger Rogers Mato’s pace remains an asset but needs to work on his finishing after several missed opportunities during Friday’s encounter.
A win for Uganda in Juba, combined with a South Africa victory over Congo in Brazzaville, would put both the Cranes and the Bafana Bafana on 10 points. This would mean that each team will need just a single point from their remaining two group matches to qualify for AFCON 2025.
The Cranes still have to face South Africa at Namboole next month in a decisive fixture.
Uganda is determined to return to the AFCON finals, having missed out on the last two editions in 2021 (Cameroon) and 2023 (Ivory Coast)
Source link : https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/sports/cranes-coach-urges-team-to-treat-south-sudan-NV_197564
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Publish date : 2024-10-12 01:58:32
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