Uganda Cranes beat DR Congo 2-0 in Johannesburg as James Bogere and Kelvin Boateng scored, while Abdoulaye Sissako impressed on his debut.
Uganda Cranes continued their encouraging October international window with a 2-0 victory over DR Congo in an international friendly at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
James Bogere opened the scoring after only seven minutes before Kelvin Owusu Boateng doubled Uganda’s advantage 10 minutes into the second half. The result gave coach Paul Put an important opportunity to assess players who received limited or no minutes during the recent AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya.
Abdoulaye Sissako was another standout performer on his Uganda debut, playing an important role in midfield and creating Boateng’s second-half goal.
DR Congo 0-2 Uganda Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Match | DR Congo 0-2 Uganda |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| Date | October 2, 2026 |
| Venue | FNB Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Uganda scorers | James Bogere 7′, Kelvin Boateng 55′ |
| Uganda coach | Paul Put |
The victory was particularly significant because Put made substantial changes to the team and used the friendly to examine the depth available to him.
Before the match, the Uganda coach made clear that giving opportunities to players who had not featured heavily against Tunisia and Libya was more important than simply chasing the result.
Bogere Punishes Early DR Congo Error
Uganda needed just seven minutes to take the lead.
DR Congo attempted to build possession from the back, but a misplaced pass from the goalkeeper presented Bogere with an opportunity. The forward anticipated the mistake, collected possession and produced a composed finish for 1-0.
The goal highlighted Uganda’s willingness to press high rather than simply sit deep against a technically strong DR Congo side.
DR Congo responded by controlling possession for extended periods, but Uganda remained organised.
Bogere almost struck again in the 38th minute after Boateng sent him through one-on-one, but the striker could not convert. At the opposite end, Theo Bongonda came close to an equaliser shortly before half-time when his effort went narrowly wide.
Uganda therefore carried their 1-0 advantage into the interval.
Sissako Makes His Mark on Uganda Debut
One of the most important individual stories from Johannesburg was Sissako’s performance.
The Sint-Truiden midfielder was among the new players recently incorporated into the Cranes setup as FUFA broadens the national-team player pool ahead of AFCON 2027.
Against DR Congo, Sissako offered protection in midfield while also demonstrating his ability to move Uganda forward.
His biggest contribution arrived in the 55th minute.
Sissako controlled possession, turned away from pressure and carried the ball forward before releasing Boateng. The striker completed the move with a composed finish to give Uganda a 2-0 advantage.
Kawowo Sports’ post-match ratings gave Sissako the highest Uganda rating at 8/10, highlighting both his defensive contribution and involvement in the second goal.
Boateng Opens His Uganda Account
The goal represented another important moment for Boateng.
The Austria Vienna forward had already made his Cranes debut in the 1-0 AFCON 2027 qualifying victory over Libya in Hoima, playing 61 minutes as Arnold Vula scored the winner.
His opportunity against DR Congo allowed him to demonstrate more of his attacking qualities.
Boateng had already created Bogere’s first-half one-on-one opportunity before scoring himself after the interval.
His combination of movement, physical presence and finishing gives Put another option as competition for attacking places continues to grow.
New-Look Defence Passes DR Congo Test
Uganda’s defensive performance was equally important.
Goalkeeper David Akpan Udoh made his Cranes debut and produced an assured performance, while Gavin Kizito, Geoffrey Lubangakene and Hilary Mukundane operated in Put’s three-man defensive structure.
Jonathan Odongo was another debutant, while Herbert Achai completed the starting defensive unit.
Kawowo’s ratings highlighted Udoh’s command of his penalty area and comfort playing with his feet. Lubangakene and Mukundane were also praised for their concentration as DR Congo attempted to find a way through.
Keeping a clean sheet despite DR Congo enjoying significant spells of possession will give Put another useful reference point when considering his defensive options.
Oyirwoth Impresses in Midfield
Allan Oyirwoth also delivered one of his stronger performances in national colours.
The midfielder played alongside Sissako and showed confidence in possession while regularly attempting to move Uganda forward.
Captain Denis Omedi, meanwhile, provided energy through his pressing even though his influence in possession was more limited.
Put later introduced Richard Basangwa, Frank Ssebuufu, Joseph Sseremba and Saddam Masereka as he continued assessing the wider squad.
Ssebuufu came particularly close to adding a third goal in the 82nd minute when his powerful attempt struck the crossbar.
Why the DR Congo Win Matters for Uganda Cranes
The importance of the result extends beyond another international victory.
Uganda entered the Johannesburg friendlies immediately after their AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Tunisia and Libya. Several established players did not travel, creating opportunities for fringe players and recent additions to demonstrate what they could offer.
Put has repeatedly stressed the importance of building a larger competitive player pool.
The performances of Sissako, Udoh, Boateng and Bogere therefore give the technical team more information when selecting future squads.
For Uganda supporters, increased competition is encouraging ahead of AFCON 2027. Players performing strongly in friendlies can put pressure on established starters and give Put alternatives when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion affect his preferred team.
Uganda Continue Building Momentum
The Johannesburg victory also maintained Uganda’s positive momentum after the 1-0 victory over Libya at Hoima City Stadium.
That match saw Vula score on his first Cranes start, while the DR Congo friendly produced another first international goal from Boateng.
Put has nevertheless urged patience with the new additions, stressing that players joining a national-team environment need time to integrate with established squad members.
That makes the DR Congo friendlies especially useful. They provide competitive minutes without the immediate pressure attached to AFCON qualifying points.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the DR Congo vs Uganda score?
Uganda Cranes defeated DR Congo 2-0 in an international friendly at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Who scored for Uganda against DR Congo?
James Bogere scored in the seventh minute before Kelvin Boateng doubled Uganda’s lead in the 55th minute.
Who was Uganda’s standout player?
Kawowo Sports gave Abdoulaye Sissako its highest Uganda player rating at 8/10 after an influential midfield performance that included the assist for Boateng’s goal.
Did Abdoulaye Sissako make his Uganda debut?
Yes. The midfielder made his Cranes debut against DR Congo and played an important role in Uganda’s second goal.
Did Kelvin Boateng score his first Uganda goal?
Yes. Boateng’s second-half strike was his first goal for the Uganda Cranes after making his debut against Libya.
Who coached Uganda against DR Congo?
Belgian coach Paul Put was in charge and used the match to assess several players who had received limited opportunities during the preceding AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Conclusion
Uganda’s 2-0 victory over DR Congo offered Paul Put more than another positive result.
Bogere’s sharp pressing produced the opening goal, Boateng opened his international scoring account, and Sissako delivered an influential debut in midfield. Udoh and Uganda’s reshaped defensive unit also emerged with a clean sheet against strong opposition.
Most importantly, several players allowed to impress showed they can increase competition within the Cranes squad.
With AFCON 2027 preparations continuing, developing that depth could prove just as valuable as the result in Johannesburg.
