AFCON 2025
The race for a place in the knockout stage of the 2025 African Nations Championship heated up on Monday, with Uganda seizing control of Group C and South Africa keeping their qualification hopes alive after hard-fought victories in Kampala.
In the day’s early kick-off at the Mandela National Stadium, South Africa edged Guinea 2–1 in a thrilling contest. Neo Maema gave Bafana Bafana a dream start inside 10 minutes, finishing a slick move involving Thabiso Kutumela.
Guinea responded just before the interval through Moussa Camara, but Kutumela turned match-winner in the 54th minute, firing home from a Wayde Jooste delivery.
The win moves South Africa level on four points with Algeria, and back in contention for a quarter-final berth.
The evening match saw co-hosts Uganda delight the home crowd with a 2–0 triumph over Niger.
Allan Okello broke the deadlock midway through the first half, converting on the rebound after his penalty was initially saved. Joel Sserunjogi sealed the result early in the second period, capping a dominant display that left Niger still searching for their first point of the campaign.
Uganda now sit top of Group C with six points from three matches, while South Africa’s victory puts them firmly back in the hunt. Guinea, with three points from three games, face a must-win scenario in their final outing, and Niger’s chances of progression are hanging by a thread.
