Uganda will face Congo in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Tuesday at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat. This match, however, will not influence the qualification standings of either team. The host nation, Congo, has already been eliminated from the competition, while Uganda has secured their spot in the tournament.
This fixture represents a clash between two teams with very different trajectories in their AFCON qualification campaigns. Congo’s hopes of reaching the prestigious tournament were dashed after their recent 3-2 defeat to South Sudan in Juba last Thursday. Meanwhile, Uganda confirmed their place in the competition despite suffering a 2-0 home loss to South Africa on the same day.
For Congo, Tuesday’s match is an opportunity to salvage pride after a disappointing qualification journey. The Red Devils will aim to end their current winless streak, having failed to secure a victory in their last four games. However, their recent record against Uganda does not inspire much confidence. In their last four encounters with the Cranes, Congo has lost three and drawn one, with their last victory against Uganda coming in their inaugural meeting.
Congo’s journey in the Group K qualifiers began on a positive note. In their opening match, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Sudan, raising hopes of a competitive campaign. However, what followed was a series of underwhelming performances that saw their chances of qualification slip away.
Their campaign took a downward turn with a string of poor results, including three losses and a draw in their subsequent four matches. These results left Congo stranded in third place with just four points, six points behind second-placed Uganda, with only one game remaining.
The decisive blow to their AFCON ambitions came last Thursday against South Sudan. Congo started the game strongly, twice taking the lead in the first half through Christopher Ibayi’s goals. However, defensive lapses allowed South Sudan to equalize on both occasions, and the teams went into halftime level.
The second half proved disastrous for the Red Devils. A red card for Bryan Passi left them a man down, and South Sudan capitalized on this numerical advantage, scoring the decisive third goal in the 84th minute. Congo’s inability to recover meant their elimination from the tournament was confirmed.
Coach Isaac Ngata and his team will now look to regroup and aim for a morale-boosting performance on Tuesday. While the result will not affect their standing, a victory could help restore some confidence and momentum as they prepare for future challenges.
Uganda’s qualification campaign, in contrast, has been characterized by resilience and consistent performances. The Cranes started their campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against South Africa. Since then, they have managed to accumulate 10 points, securing second place in Group K and a spot in the 2025 AFCON.
Their qualification was confirmed not by their own result but by Congo’s loss to South Sudan. Despite falling 2-0 to South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala last Friday, Uganda’s earlier performances ensured their place in the tournament.
Under the guidance of coach Paul Put, Uganda has had a strong year overall. The team has played 10 matches in 2024, losing only three of them. Before last Friday’s defeat, the Cranes were on a four-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their ability to perform consistently in competitive fixtures.
However, Uganda faces a historical challenge as they head into Tuesday’s match. While they have a favorable overall record against Congo, the Cranes have never won an away game against the Red Devils. In their two previous visits to Congo, Uganda has managed just one draw and one defeat. Breaking this trend will be a key objective for the team as they look to finish their campaign on a high note.
Congo’s performance in the AFCON qualifiers has highlighted areas in need of improvement. The team has struggled with defensive discipline, as evidenced by their inability to hold onto leads in crucial games. Bryan Passi’s red card against South Sudan is a prime example of the lapses that have cost the team dearly in this campaign.
Offensively, Christopher Ibayi has been one of the few bright spots for Congo. His two goals against South Sudan showcased his ability to make an impact in the attacking third. However, the team’s reliance on individual moments of brilliance rather than cohesive teamwork has hindered their progress.
Looking ahead, Congo must address these shortcomings if they are to become more competitive in future tournaments. Coach Isaac Ngata has the task of rebuilding the team’s confidence and implementing a more structured approach to both attack and defense.
For Uganda, the focus will be on maintaining their strong form as they prepare for the AFCON tournament. Coach Paul Put has built a team that combines experience with emerging talent, creating a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
One of Uganda’s strengths has been their ability to adapt to different situations. Whether coming from behind to secure a draw or holding onto a narrow lead, the Cranes have demonstrated tactical flexibility and mental toughness. These qualities will serve them well as they aim to make an impact in the AFCON tournament.
Despite their success, Uganda will be mindful of their challenges in away fixtures against Congo. Tuesday’s match presents an opportunity for the Cranes to overcome this hurdle and set a positive tone for their AFCON preparations.
Congo is likely to adopt an aggressive approach in a bid to secure a win in front of their home fans. Coach Isaac Ngata may opt for a more attacking formation, with an emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting Uganda’s defensive vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, Uganda is expected to prioritize defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to counterattack. Paul Put’s side has shown their ability to remain compact and organized, which could frustrate Congo’s attacking efforts.
Set pieces could also play a significant role in the match. Both teams have players capable of delivering quality deliveries and capitalizing on aerial duels, making this an area to watch closely.
While the match will not influence the qualification standings, it carries symbolic importance for both teams. For Congo, a victory would be a morale booster after a disappointing campaign. It would also end their winless streak and provide a measure of redemption in front of their home crowd.
For Uganda, the match is an opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and test their squad depth ahead of the AFCON tournament. A win would also break their winless run in Congo and add to the team’s growing confidence.
Given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, Uganda enters the match as slight favorites. However, Congo’s home advantage and motivation to end their campaign on a positive note cannot be underestimated.
A closely contested match is expected, with Uganda likely to edge out a narrow victory or settle for a hard-fought draw.
Tuesday’s encounter between Congo and Uganda may lack the high stakes of a qualification decider, but it remains an intriguing fixture with plenty to offer. Congo will look to salvage pride and end their disappointing campaign with a win, while Uganda aims to build momentum ahead of the AFCON tournament.
As both teams take to the pitch at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat, fans can expect a spirited contest that showcases the passion and determination of African football.