Uganda Cranes maintained their strong start in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers by securing a full three points against Congo on Monday at Mandela National Stadium.
In a match played under the floodlights and witnessed by a packed crowd, Uganda clinched a 2-0 win, building on the 2-2 draw from their opening game against South Africa.
Goals in each half, from defender Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and substitute Jude Ssemugabi, ensured Uganda’s path to victory.
Coach Paul Put made two adjustments to the lineup from the previous match against South Africa, with Kenneth Semakula stepping in at right-back for Elvis Bwomono and Shaban Muhammad replacing Steven Mukwala.
Uganda’s first opportunity came in the 15th minute when Rogers Mato sprinted into the box after receiving a long pass from Ronald Ssekiganda, but his effort missed the target.
Five minutes later, Kayondo opened the scoring with a bending cross that found the back of the net, sending the crowd into celebration.
The attacking left-back threatened again in the 25th minute with a surging run into the box, but his cross couldn’t connect with a teammate.
Mato also had a chance to extend the lead after beating his marker on the left wing, but his low shot narrowly missed the target. Shaban was substituted in the 43rd minute after suffering a muscle injury, and Jude Ssemugabi took his place.
In the second half, coach Put introduced Halidi Lwaliwa for Elio Capradossi and Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba.
Okello made an immediate impact, assisting the second goal in the 87th minute scored by Ssemugabi.
The playmaker dashed down the right, cut inside, and set up Ssemugabi with a clever outside-of-the-boot pass, which the latter calmly slotted home to seal the win.
This victory gives Uganda four points from two matches, with a doubleheader against South Sudan set for next month.
