Share this article

The Uganda Cranes are set to open their Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying campaign against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on September 6 at Orlando Stadium. With previous attempts at qualification falling short, the Cranes aim for a strong start to secure a spot in the final tournament in Morocco.

Uganda Cranes will play the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday, September 6, at the Orlando stadium in the opening fixture of the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

The Cranes will be aiming to post a colorful start to better their chances of qualification having missed out on the past two attempts (Cameroon 2021 and Ivory Coast 2023).

The two teams that will top the group at the end of the qualification matches that conclude in November will book their places at the final tournament that will be hosted in Morocco.

Uganda Cranes coach Joseph Paul Put told his charges after Wednesday’s training session at the Balfor football club training ground in Johannesburg that they have all it takes to pick positive results against South Africa.

“I have been to five AFCON finals, and I want to add to that number with this team. You are a group of young and undoubtedly very talented players. You have what it takes to qualify, but you need to work hard for it because it will not be given to you just like that. You will have to fight for the right to be in Morocco next year, and the fight starts this Friday against South Africa.”

Paul Put added that “I love what I am seeing so far—the energy, the teamwork, and the positive spirit. These will be very crucial in this fight’.

After facing South Africa on Friday evening (7pm), the Cranes will shift focus onto the home fixture against Congo. Two days later at the Mandela national stadium, Namboole.