Uganda Cranes continued with their brillant start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers after picking maximum points against Congo on Monday at Mandela National Stadium.
In the game played under the floodlights and watched by a capicty crowd, Uganda secured a 2-0 win to compliment the 2-2 draw from the fist game against South Africa.
A goal in either half from defender Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and substitute Jude Ssemugabi ensured Uganda sailed to victory.
Coach Paul Put made two changes from the team that had started against South Africa last week with Kenneth Semakula starting at right back in place of Elvis Bwomono and Shaban Muhammad ahead of Steven Mukwala.
Uganda’s first attempt at goal came in the 15th minute through Rogers Mato who dashed into the area after receiving a long pass from Ronald Ssekiganda but the former failed to find the back of the net.
Five minutes later, Kayondo opened the scores with his swerving cross finding its way into the back of the net to send fans into a frenzy.
The roving left back was at it again in the 25th minute when he made a lunge bursting run into the box but his cross didn’t find any teammate.
Mato too had a chance to double our advantage when he beat his opponent on the left wing but his low drive missed the target by a few inches.
Shaban was substituted in the 43rd minute after pulling a muscle and was replaced by Ssemugabi.
In the second half, coach Put made changes bringing on Halidi Lwaliwa for Elio Capradossi and Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba.
Okello made an instant impact and created the second goal in the 87th minute scored by Ssemugabi.
The creative dynamo made a run on the right, dashed inside and laid up Ssemugabi with the outside of his left boot. The former was well stationed to connect home and seal the win.
Victory means Uganda has four points from two games and will face South Sudan in a double header next month.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Isima Watenga, Kenneth Semakula, Abdu Aziiizi 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
Congo XI: Pavelh Ndzila (G.K), Morgan Paul Poaty, Silvere Ganvoula Mboussy (Captain), Ryan Maxime Destin Bidounga, Bryan Jacques Passi, Pontaillier Jose Fred Dembi, Mons Rogeani Andre Bassousmina, Chandrel Geraud Massanga Matondo, Merveil Valthy Streeker Ndockyt, Antoine Makoumbou, Yhoan Many Andzouana
Subs: Christoffer Henri Mafoumbi (G.K), Owen Cesaire Rodrique Matimbou (G.K), Prince Vinny Ibara Doniama, Vieljeux Prestige Mboungou, Romaric Prestige Etou Thomaso, Glid Geordon Otanga Mvouo, Francis Nzaba, Beni Makouana, William Mbongo Hondermarck, Elie Andzouono, Janard Berlohd Mbemba Kambamba
