Result
- South Sudan 1-2 Uganda
Uganda Cranes are on the brink of sealing a slot at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 win over South Sudan in Juba.
Alfred Leku own goal midway through the second half gave the Cranes a deserved victory on the road to assuming leadership in Group K with 10 points.
Denis Omedi’s early strike had been cancelled out by a well-taken goal by Yohanna Juma goal as the first half ended in a stalemate
Paul Put made three changes to the team that started last week with Allan Okello, Taddeo Lwanga and Derrick Nsibambi all starting ahead of Travis Mutyaba, Ronald Ssekiganda and Jude Ssemugabi.
It paid off with Okello setting up Omedi on the fifteen-minute mark to slot home after good interplay on the edge of the area.
The lead lasted just six minutes as Leku set up Juma whose strike from over 25 yards beat Isma Watenga for the leveller.
At the start of the second half, injured Halid Lwaliwa made way for Timothy Awany and Mutyaba replaced Okello while Ssemugabi came in for Mato and Nsibambi came off for Mukwala at the hour mark.
It was another move that paid off as Ssemugabi was fouled in the 66th minute and he forced an own goal off Mutyaba free kick.
The Cranes could have scored more as they dominated play and created more chances but Omedi and Mutyaba were denied by the goalkeeper while Mukwala failed to hit the target twice when set up.
With 10 points, Uganda is now almost at Afcon and will seal qualification if South Africa beats Congo in a 7pm kick-off tonight.
Uganda Cranes XI: Watenga (GK), Ssemakula, Kayondo, Lwaliwa (Awany 46’), Aucho ©, Lwanga, Okello (Mutyaba 46’), Mato (Ssemugabi 60’), Omedi, Nsibambi (Mukwala 60’)
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