Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Uganda’s national football team, the Uganda Cranes, has officially qualified for the 35th edition of the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The Cranes sealed their spot after South Sudan defeated Congo 3-2 in Juba on Thursday 14, November 2024. With this result, Congo, sitting third in Group K with just 4 points, can no longer surpass Uganda or South Africa, who have accumulated 10 and 8 points, respectively.
Uganda’s qualification was initially contingent on earning a single point in their upcoming match against South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Friday. However, Congo’s defeat ensures Uganda’s advancement regardless of the outcome of their remaining fixtures.
Also Read: Uganda Cranes eye crucial win over South Sudan to boost AFCON 2025 hopes
This qualification marks Uganda’s return to the AFCON stage after their last appearance in 2019 in Egypt. It will be the Cranes’ eighth participation in the continental tournament, with previous campaigns in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2017, and 2019. The team’s best performance remains their runner-up finish in 1978 in Ghana.
The Cranes join an impressive lineup of already-qualified teams, including Morocco (the hosts), Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and South Africa.
This achievement reflects Uganda’s continued progress in African football and raises hopes for a strong showing in Morocco.
