Uganda Cranes face DR Congo in two South African friendlies. Read the latest team news, players to watch, predicted line-up, and score prediction.
Uganda Cranes have shifted their attention to two international friendlies against the Democratic Republic of Congo after making an encouraging start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Paul Put’s team arrived in South Africa on Wednesday, September 30, after travelling from Hoima, where Uganda defeated Libya 1-0. The Cranes are based at Hotel Sky in Sandton as they prepare to face a talented but reshaped DR Congo squad.
The friendlies provide Put with an opportunity to test Uganda’s squad depth, integrate several new players and assess alternatives before the AFCON 2027 qualifiers resume in November.
DR Congo vs Uganda match details
- Fixture: DR Congo vs Uganda Cranes
- Competition: International friendly
- First match: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Second match: Sunday, October 4, 2026, according to FUFA
- Venue: South Africa
- Expected first-match kick-off: 5:00 p.m. EAT
- Live coverage: To be confirmed
Supporters should check FUFA’s official platforms.
Uganda carry qualifying momentum into friendlies
Uganda enter the double-header with confidence after collecting four points from their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The Cranes recovered from an early setback to draw 1-1 with Tunisia in Radès, where Rogers Mato scored the second-half equaliser. They followed that result with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Libya in the first senior international staged at Hoima City Stadium.
Arnold Vula marked his international debut by heading in Allan Okello’s free-kick during first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Denis Onyango and Uganda’s defence then protected the lead as Libya increased the pressure after the break.
Those results placed Uganda top of AFCON qualifying Group H with four points. However, the quick transition from a competitive home fixture to two friendlies in South Africa will test the players’ fitness and recovery.
Uganda Cranes team news
Put has made significant changes to the travelling group. Captain Denis Onyango, Rogers Mato, Aziz Kayondo, Nathan Asiimwe and Noble Okello did not travel to South Africa following a technical-team decision.
Their absence means David Lukwago and Hannington Ssebwalunyo will compete for the goalkeeping position. It also creates opportunities for less-established defenders and forwards to receive meaningful international minutes.
Sadam Masereka and Toto Majub Brian joined the travelling contingent after missing the matches against Tunisia and Libya. Uganda have also travelled with several recently added players, including Akpan Udoh, Kelvin Boateng, Gaucho Debohi Dieudonne, Diaby Souleymane, Abdoulaye Sissako and Kingdom Osayi.
Vula and Boateng made their senior debuts against Libya. Vula’s winning goal strengthened his case for another start, but Put has called for patience while Uganda’s new players adjust to their teammates and the demands of international football.
Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi and Steven Mukwala give Uganda several attacking combinations. James Bogere, Sadam Masereka, Richard Basangwa and Frank Ssebufu could also receive opportunities as the technical staff rotates the squad.
Uganda Cranes travelling squad
Goalkeepers: David Lukwago, Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
Defenders: Toby Sibbick, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, Jonathan Odongo, Geofrey Lubanga Kene, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Akpan Udoh, Kelvin Boateng, Gaucho Debohi Dieudonne, Diaby Souleymane and Kingdom Osayi.
Midfielders: Baba Alhassan, Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth, Joseph Seremba, Abdoulaye Sissako, Toto Majub Brian and Sadam Masereka.
Forwards: Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Denis Omedi, Arnold Vula, James Bogere, Richard Basangwa and Frank Ssebufu.
Player roles may vary because several members of the travelling group can operate in more than one position.
DR Congo team news
DR Congo also reached South Africa with a changed group after winning their opening two AFCON qualifiers. Sébastien Desabre’s side defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in Kinshasa before securing a 2-1 away victory over Zimbabwe.
Eleven established players were released to return to their clubs before the Uganda friendlies. The list includes Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Axel Tuanzebe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Meschack Elia, Brian Cipenga, Yoane Wissa, Simon Banza and Fiston Mayele.
Their departure does not leave the Leopards short of quality. Desabre can assess younger or less-established players including Willy Kambwala, Jordy Mokio, Brandon Ndezi, Paris Maghoma and Stanis Idumbo. Anthony Musaba, Jackson Muleka, Afimico Pululu and Samuel Essende are among the available attacking options.
Desabre knows Ugandan football well after guiding the Cranes to the 2019 AFCON knockout stage. That familiarity could help DR Congo identify Uganda’s strengths, particularly their organisation without the ball and threat from set-pieces.
Uganda’s predicted line-up
Uganda Cranes predicted XI: Hannington Ssebwalunyo; Jonathan Odongo, Toby Sibbick, Rogers Torach, Hillary Mukundane; Kenneth Semakula, Baba Alhassan, Allan Oyirwoth; Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala.
Put is expected to rotate extensively across the two matches. Vula could retain his position after scoring against Libya, while the opening friendly may also provide first senior starts for some of the recently added players.
Players to watch
Allan Okello
Okello’s delivery created Vula’s winning goal against Libya. His ability to operate between midfield and attack makes him central to Uganda’s chance creation, especially when the Cranes win free-kicks in advanced areas.
Arnold Vula
The forward made an immediate impression by scoring on his debut. These friendlies will show whether he can consistently hold up the ball, link with Uganda’s wide players and threaten a defence possessing greater physical depth.
Steven Mukwala
Mukwala offers movement behind defenders and experience of playing outside Uganda. With Mato absent, he has an opportunity to take greater responsibility in the final third.
Afimico Pululu
Pululu is one of the more experienced forwards retained in DR Congo’s friendly squad. Uganda’s centre-backs must limit the service into him and avoid allowing the Leopards to establish sustained pressure near the penalty area.
Tactical outlook
Uganda’s recent performances suggest Put will retain a compact structure before asking his attackers to break quickly. Okello and Mutyaba can carry the ball through central areas, while Mukwala or Vula will be expected to occupy DR Congo’s centre-backs.
Set-pieces could again be important. Uganda’s winner against Libya came from Okello’s free-kick, and the Cranes possess several strong aerial targets.
DR Congo should have more individual speed and technical quality, but their altered squad may lack the coordination displayed during the qualifiers. Both coaches are likely to make numerous substitutions, particularly in the second half, so the matches may become more open as unfamiliar combinations are introduced.
DR Congo vs Uganda prediction
Uganda’s confidence, defensive organisation and set-piece threat should make the opening game competitive. However, travel fatigue and the absence of Onyango, Mato and Kayondo remove several experienced figures from the team.
DR Congo remain slight favourites because of their squad depth, although releasing several senior players reduces the gap between the sides.
First-match prediction: DR Congo 1-1 Uganda.
For the second friendly, greater rotation could favour the Leopards’ deeper pool of internationally experienced players.
Second-match prediction: Uganda 1-2 DR Congo.
These predictions are editorial opinions, not guaranteed outcomes.
What the friendlies mean for Uganda
Results matter, but player assessment will be Put’s main priority. Uganda face Botswana twice in November, and the technical team needs dependable alternatives capable of stepping in when injuries, suspensions or club commitments affect the first-choice squad.
Strong performances from the newcomers would increase competition and give Uganda more tactical options before AFCON 2027, which the country will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
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Frequently asked questions
When will Uganda Cranes play DR Congo?
The first friendly is scheduled for October 2, 2026. FUFA’s latest update lists the second match for October 4.
Where will DR Congo vs Uganda be played?
Both friendlies will be staged in South Africa. The teams are preparing in the Pretoria-Johannesburg area, with FECOFA identifying FNB Stadium as the match venue.
Why is Denis Onyango not in the travelling squad?
FUFA said Onyango was among five players who missed the South Africa trip following a decision by Uganda’s technical team.
What is the predicted score?
The opening match is predicted to finish DR Congo 1-1 Uganda, while DR Congo are narrowly backed to win the second friendly 2-1.
End Note
Predictions are editorial opinions rather than guaranteed outcomes. If you choose to bet, play responsibly, set limits, and never chase losses. Gambling involves financial risk and is strictly for adults aged 25 and above in Uganda.
