Bafana Bafana go into their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier tie against Uganda this afternoon having already booked a ticket to the 2025 edition in Morocco next year December. Here, Hollywoodbets Sports Blog provides you with all the details of this encounter.
It is not often that Bafana qualify for a major tournament without even breaking a sweat on the field.
This gift was handed to them by South Sudan, who beat Congo Brazzaville in a thrilling 3-2 contest on the even South Africa’s tie with Uganda.
This unexpected twist has granted Bafana Bafana the luxury of two remaining fixtures where coach Hugo Broos may be tempted to experiment against Uganda today and South Sudan next Tuesday.
Broos’ side currently sit second in Group K with eight points and will now shift their focus to chasing the top spot as Bafana can take charge of the pool if they can get maximum points against The Cranes.
How to watch
This game will be broadcast live on SABC TV and will also be carried on various SABC radio stations. You will also be able to stream on the public broadcaster’s SABC+. Kick is scheduled for 15:00 SAT.
Head to head
10 April 2004: Uganda 0 – 1 South Africa
26 Mar 2005: South Africa 2 – 1 Uganda
04 Jun 2019: Uganda 1 – 2 South Africa
10 Jun 2021: South Africa 3 – 2 Uganda
06 Sept 2024: South Africa 2 – 2 Uganda
Players to watch
The last time Bafana faced Uganda, skipper Ronwen Williams was not part of the match as he was nursing a shoulder injury.
Africa’s number one goalkeeper is back in the fray and will be expected to lead out the team in what is expected to be a tough contest.
This time around, Broos does not have his midfield kingpin Themba Zwane, who got injured on national duty in a 1-1 draw with Congo Brazzaville.
It remains to be seen as to who the Belgian tactician will deploy in that attacking midfielder position, which Zwane excelled in and often operated with unlimited freedom.
Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng is earmarked to be the one Broos might entrust with the responsibility of making sure that Bafana’s creative juices flow.
Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa makes his return to the team after his last Bafana call-up was at the 2023 Afcon. Makgopa is expected to lead the attack in the absence of Lyle Foster, who also got injured on national duty.
Makgopa, however, will face competition from Iqraam Rayners, who has been firing for Mamelodi Sundowns, netting seven goals across all competitions so far this season.
Betting odds
Uganda 39/20 | Draw 15/10 | South Africa 16/10
Bafana have only faced The Cranes five times, and in those affairs, it was only once where South Africa failed to win, which is in their most recent confrontation in September which ended in a stalemate.
This one will be tough to call as Uganda have been in impressive form in these qualifiers, winning three out of four games.
With teams playing without any pressure, if you feel you know how this tie is likely to pan out – put your money where your mouth is and head over to Hollywoodbets to place your bet!
Possible starting line-up
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (c)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Rushwin Dortely, Aubrey Modiba
Central midfielders: Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena
Attacking midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Elias Mokwana
Striker: Evidence Makgopa
ALSO READ: Five Bafana Bafana players set to star against Uganda
Stadium
The Mandela National Stadium, Uganda’s premier multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue, stands as a tribute to the legendary South African icon, Nelson Mandela. Opened in 1997 with a performance by Lucky Dube, the stadium has since become a landmark of both cultural and sporting significance.
Originally named Namboole Stadium after the hill on which it was constructed, it was later rebranded to honor the global legacy of Mandela.
With a seating capacity of 50,000, the stadium set its record attendance in 2004, drawing a passionate crowd that solidified its status as a hub for major events.
Bafana Bafana qualifies for AFCON!!!#BafanaPride#AfconQualifier pic.twitter.com/WtnsyC27LD
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 14, 2024
