Abdul Aziz Kayondo scored the opening goal in suprising fashion as Cranes took the lead in just 21 minutes to take on a half time lead at the Mandela National Stadium.

In the second half, the Cranes looked well set to go on and win their first win group from the two games so far at the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

But with five minutes to the 90th minute mark, debutant Jude Ssemugabi scored a well placed ball in the bottom left corner after an assist from the outside of Allan Okello’s boot.

Uganda were incensed by the decision to substitute Muhammad Shaban in the first half  and will rightly the point to it was that he didn’t recover from the injury completely.

But Paul Put’s side managed to defend and attack better after the substitute with Denis Omedi moving centrally to bring on the goal scorer Jude Ssemugabi who was accommodated on the ring.

After the game, Uganda currently lay top of Group K with 4 points, Congo Brazzaville 3 points, South Africa 1 point and South Sudan without a point.

TOUCHLINE SPORTS rates Uganda Cranes’ players from Mandela National Stadium.

Elio Capradossi celebrating the win.

• • Goalkeeper & Defence

    Ismail Watenga (7/10):

    Another excellent display. Great handling and good defense organization to keep his clean sheet intact.

    Kenneth Ssemakula (5/10):

    Always seems to struggle against pacy wingers and today was no exception.

    Bevis Mugabi (7/10):

    Strong display with great Aerial strength, although maybe could have reacted quicker in some moments as It looked like he was expecting Elio Capradossi to make the tackle.

    Elio Capradossi (7/10):

    Will be disappointed at not having enough in the tank which could relay on his not having a team but he managed to get the biggest chunk of his tackles right and also participate in the build up to the first goal.

    Aziz Kayondo (9/10):

    Solid enough defensively, offered alot going forward and scored a goal.

    Midfield

    Khalid Aucho (5/10):

    Struggled in possession most especially in the first half. Made some good recovery tackles, but was slack with the ball at times. Could maybe have been more alert.

    Ronald Ssekiganda (8.5/10):

    Excellent with the ball and created some big chances including that missed chance in the first half by Rogers Mato. Still he positioned himself well and does look up to speed after the summer after that unconvicing game against South Africa.

    Travis Mutyaba (5/10):

    Made a few good passes early in the game but clearly struggled after that. Never looked comfortable and was unable to dictate play like usual.

    Attack

    Denis Omedi (6/10):

    Not his best, electric early on but Congo tried their best to manage his movement and due to the tactics he was not able to get the space he likes to operate however his work ethic was visible and had a few shots at goal.

    Muhammad Shaban (4/10):

    Tireless runner as ever but in some instances it was not enough especially after a good ball from the left by Travis Mutyaba, he coudn’t get to it for a great chance to make it 1-0 as he struggled all through till he was ejected.

    Rogers Mato (7.5/10):

    Missed a huge chance earlier on in the game however produced one excellent assist for Kayondo’s goal in the first half, but was on the great side of things aside from that like talking on Congo’s right back.

    Subs & Manager

    Jude Ssemugabi (6/10):

    Came on helped Ssemakula often with the defensive work despite losing a few balls and also scored the second goal.

    Allan Okello (7/10):

    Made things happen for his teammates and also created that Jude Ssemugabi goal and missed one where he would either pass or score with his right leg.

    Joel Sserunjogi (N/A):

    Replaced the tiring Aucho late on.

    Paul Put (7/10):

    Maybe waited a bit too long to bring on Allan Okello but the rest was fairly okay.