No spectators for Uganda-South Sudan Afcon qualifier

Uganda Cranes will host South Sudan on November 12 in a Group B qualifying match at the St. Marys Stadium, Kitende.

In a circular released by CAF on Thursday, all matches will take place behind closed doors and without spectators. The development comes as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which continues to be a challenge around the whole world.

Although in some countries like Tanzania and Burundi spectators are already back to watch matches in stadiums, CAF has made it clear that spectators will not be allowed to attend the Afcon qualifiers and there will be tough protocols.

“Our goal is to ensure that there is uniformity in safety and security operations across Africa with an emphasis on making sure that the matches are played under a safe and secured environment,” said CAF in the communication.

Uganda currently top Group B of the qualifiers with 4 points after a barren draw away to Burkina Faso and a 2-0 home win against Malawi. After hosting South Sudan next week, the Uganda Cranes team will travel for yet another game against the same side to be played in Nairobi on November 16. South Sudan play their matches away from home because their national stadium in Juba is under renovation.

The Cranes under head coach Jonathan McKinstry are already undergoing training with professional based players also starting to jet-in. Uganda Cranes reached the knock out group of 16 during the 2019 Afcon held in Egypt.