South Africa end Uganda's unbeaten run in 2025 Afcon qualifiers to take control of Group K

Congo Brazzaville's surprising loss against South Sudan handed South Africa and Uganda their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tickets.

However, both Cranes and Bafana Bafana were keen on finishing top of the pool, explaining why the Friday clash at Namboole Stadium was important.

The first half was characterized by missed chances from either side, as attackers failed to compose themselves in the final third.

After the pause, Taddeo Lwanga's mistake allowed substitute Thapelo Morena to steal the ball and fire past hapless Ismail Watenga in the 49th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead.

Bafana got their second goal in stoppage time when Iqraam Rayners passed the ball to the advancing Patrick Maswanganyi who beautifully controlled the ball before finding the back of the net.

Bafana's 2-0 win took them top of the standings with 11 points ahead of the final fixture against South Sudan at home in Cape Town on Tuesday November 19.

Surely, this has to go to the match winner Thapelo Morena who changed the flow of the game after coming on in place of Ellias Mokwana.

His determination and hunger led to the first goal at the Namboole Stadium, and a chance for his team to finish top of Group K.

Imagine playing a good first half and making a huge blunder that contributes to your team's loss! Taddeo Lwanga didn't recover from his mistake.

He was eventually subbed in the 56th minute for Bobosi Byaruhanga as Cranes went on to register their first loss in the campaign.

Broos is expected to give fringe players a chance to show their worth in the final Group K game that will be staged at the DHL Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana have to be wary of Bright Stars' threat since they have nothing to lose as seen in their recent 3-2 win against Congo Brazzaville on Thursday.

Paul Put now hopes to win against Congo Brazzaville and that South Sudan avoids a loss against Bafana Bafana for the East Africans to finish as group winners.