Former Harambee Stars head coach Paul Put has led the Uganda Cranes to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with two matches to spare.

Uganda and South Africa have both qualified for the 2025 showpiece before they even face off in Kampala, after South Sudan’s victory over Congo Brazzaville.

The South Sudanese beat Congo Brazzaville 3-2 in Juba, and the result means South Africa and Uganda have both attained unassailable leads on top of Group K and the last two matches will be mere formality.

Congo are on four points and have only one match left. They are four behind second placed South Africa who are on eight, and a further six behind leaders Uganda who are on 10 and as thus, mathematically fall off the race for qualification.

“I am delighted to lead this great team to the Africa Cup of Nations. We have worked hard for this and we deserve it as players. We can’t wait to compete with the rest of the continent in Morocco,” Uganda captain Khalid Aucho said, after they watched the match between South Sudan and Congo.

Uganda will now shift attention to picking a win against the Bafana Bafana at home, to assure themselves of finishing top of the group.