2025 AFCON Qualifiers: South Africa’s unbeaten run secures top spot in Group K as Uganda finish second

The final round of Group K in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers ended with South Africa maintaining their unbeaten record, clinching the group’s top spot after a 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, Uganda edged past Congo 1-0 in Brazzaville to cement their second-place finish.

South Africa, already guaranteed a spot at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, showcased their dominance with goals from Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Teboho Mokoena.

Bafana Bafana completed their campaign with 14 points, scoring 16 goals across six matches while conceding just five.

Uganda’s solitary goal came through Travis Mutyaba in the 55th minute, sealing a hard-fought win over Congo at Stade Alphonse Massamba Débat.

The Cranes ended the qualifiers with 13 points, narrowly behind South Africa but well ahead of Congo and South Sudan.

Congo’s defeat means they finished third in the group with just four points, extending their wait for an AFCON appearance since 1992.

South Sudan, despite their spirited performances, closed the campaign at the bottom with three points.

South Africa’s unbeaten streak (W4, D2) continues to underline their growing strength in African football.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s qualification for their first AFCON since 2019 reflects steady progress.

Both teams will aim for strong showings in Morocco in December next year.

As Group K concludes, attention shifts to Morocco, where South Africa and Uganda will represent the group in Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.

Final Group K Standings:

1. South Africa: 6 matches, 4 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses, 14 points
2. Uganda: 6 matches, 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, 13 points
3. Congo: 6 matches, 1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses, 4 points
4. South Sudan: 6 matches, 1 win, 0 draws, 5 losses, 3 points