The road to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 continued with Match Day 2 of the group stages on Monday, 09 September. Uganda secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Congo, while Ghana was held to a 1-1 draw by Niger as the race for qualification intensifies.
Uganda Cranes Celebrate First Win
At the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, Uganda Cranes secured their first victory in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers, defeating Congo 2-0 in front of a jubilant home crowd. It was a special moment for the Cranes, who were playing their third home game in over three years. Uganda dominated from start to finish, with goals from defender Abdu Azizi Kayondo and substitute Jude Ssemugabi sealing the win.
Kayondo opened the scoring with a well-placed effort in the first half, and Ssemugabi, who came on as a late first-half substitute, added the second goal in the latter stages of the match. Uganda’s energetic performance throughout the game ensured they secured all three points.
Cranes head coach Paul Put made two changes to the squad that drew 2-2 against South Africa in their previous match. Kenneth Ssemakula replaced Elvis Bwomono at right-back, while Muhammad Shaban, passing a late fitness test, started in place of Steven Desse Mukwala at center forward. The changes paid off as Uganda controlled the match and remained on course for AFCON qualification.
Ghana Held to a Draw by Niger
In a frustrating evening for Ghana, the Black Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Niger. Despite taking the lead just before halftime through Alidu Seidu, Ghana was unable to hold on for the win. Niger’s Omar Sako found the equalizer in the 81st minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Ghana.
Ghana had hoped to bounce back from their shock defeat to Angola on Saturday but were left disappointed after surrendering their lead. The Black Stars’ inability to close out the game leaves them with work to do as they aim to secure qualification for AFCON 2025.
Island Derby Ends in Stalemate
In a clash between two island nations, Madagascar and Comoros played to a 1-1 draw. Madagascar struck first through Carolus Andriamatsinoro, who finished clinically in the 9th minute to give his side an early lead. However, Comoros responded with a goal of their own, as Youssouf M’Changama found the back of the net in the 41st minute to level the score before halftime.
Despite both sides’ efforts, the match ended in a stalemate, leaving each team still searching for their first victory in the group stages.
Equatorial Guinea and Togo Share the Spoils in Thriller
In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Equatorial Guinea and Togo played out a 2-2 draw. Louis Niavo gave Equatorial Guinea an early advantage with a goal in the 17th minute. Togo responded just before halftime with a goal from R. Aholou, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
Equatorial Guinea looked to have secured the win when Jannick Buyla restored their lead in the 71st minute. However, Togo refused to back down and grabbed a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time through Kodjo Laba, ensuring both sides shared the points in a hard-fought contest.
