South Africa’s defeat to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup offered a glimpse into the demands of modern football at the highest level.
While Uganda Cranes have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, there were several valuable lessons from Bafana Bafana’s experience that could help shape the Cranes’ future ambitions.
And truth be told, some of these lessons are not entirely new to Ugandan football.
The Cost of Small Mistakes
South Africa conceded the opening goal after losing possession in a dangerous area. Credit must go to Mexico, whose aggressive high press paid dividends, but it was also a goal Bafana Bafana will feel they gifted to their opponents.
Many will point to midfielder Yaya Sithole, who was caught in possession, but questions can also be asked of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Rather than clearing his lines, Williams opted to play out from the back, only for his teammate to be swarmed almost immediately.
Building from the back is admirable when a team has the technical quality to execute it. In any setting, however, attempting it against a better opposition under pressure can be costly. South Africa learned that lesson the hard way.
Ugandan fans have seen a similar scenario before. During the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Algeria in Japoma, a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Salim Jamal while trying to play out from the back gifted possession to the Desert Foxes, with Mohamed Amoura punishing the mistake.
At the highest level, a single lapse in concentration can change the course of a match.
Discipline Matters
A red card can happen in football. Two red cards in one match often point to a larger problem. But at present, with everything being scrutinized thanks to new technology (read VAR) and new laws that are being established, it’s time to remain cautious.
Sithole’s dismissal was straightforward. He brought down Brian Gutierrez as the last defender, leaving referee Wilton Sampaio with little choice but to send him off. How South Africa chose to go all out, just being a goal down in opening phases of the second half, is a story for another day.
The second red card, shown to veteran midfielder Themba Zwane after a VAR review, was more controversial. Zwane appeared to make contact with Roberto Alvarado ss they tussled for the ball, with the Mexican falling to the ground clutching his head.
Many may feel the punishment was harsh, but modern football is increasingly unforgiving. Players know that any contact around the head or face is likely to attract attention, and opponents will often go down at the slightest touch.
It is a reality Uganda must continue adapting to.
Ugandan fans may recall Murushid Juuko’s red card against Mali during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The defender was dismissed after appearing to elbow Ibrahim Kone, an incident that proved costly despite Uganda eventually securing a goalless draw.
More recently, the Cranes’ AFCON campaign suffered another setback when Salim Jamal was sent off in a tournament where Uganda remarkably ended up using three different goalkeepers.
At elite level, discipline is just as important as talent.
Naturalisation actually works
One of the standout stories from the World Cup opener was goalscorer Julian Quinones.
Born in Colombia, Quiñones represented Colombia at youth level and was once considered a future international for his birth nation. However, he was later granted Mexican citizenship in 2023, and he repaid that faith by scoring the opening goal of the tournament. Unlike the other two hosts USA and Canada, Mexico is a footballing nation and have vast talent across, but they opted for naturalisation, bringing in what they didn’t have – a workaholic forward. And he could have scored more, including that chance that hit the woodwork.
It is a strategy many countries have embraced successfully.
Here, FUFA president Moses Magogo has previously spoken about the possibility of recruiting and naturalising players with Ugandan heritage abroad. While the process requires resources and careful planning, Mexico’s success story demonstrates the potential rewards.
Manchester City youngster Divine Mukasa is among the names that have generated excitement among Ugandan fans, while several other foreign-born players with Ugandan roots continue to emerge across Europe.
Uche Ikpeazu who is of Nigerian decency, scored the goal that handed Uganda its only point at the recent AFCON. While opinions may differ on some players, including Uche, one has to acknowledge the fact that it will require to cast the net wider and giving opportunities to eligible talent abroad
The key is patience and long-term planning. Building a stronger national team rarely happens overnight.
Experience Still Matters
Raul Jimenez may be 35 years old, but he showed against South Africa why experience remains invaluable in football.
Many questioned his inclusion in Mexico’s squad, believing younger options should have been preferred. Yet when the moment arrived, it was the veteran striker who delivered.
His movement to evade defenders, timing of the run and composure in front of goal were all hallmarks of a player who has spent years competing at the highest level.
Uganda has often found itself caught between preserving experienced players and ushering in a new generation. While fresh talent is essential, the World Cup opener served as a reminder that experience cannot be replaced easily.
Veterans bring leadership, composure and an understanding of big moments that younger players are still developing.
As the old saying goes, it is the old broom that knows all the corners.
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