Uganda vs Congo DR - Friendlies

There is a notable edge to this Friendlies fixture. When Uganda meet Congo DR at the home ground on October 5, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. He experienced victory in his only Old Firm appearance as a Gers player, but Sunday will be his first taste of the fixture in the dugout.

There is little to choose between Uganda and Congo DR on paper, and the Friendlies encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Phil Foden was handed a free role in the No 10 position behind striker Muamba, who scored in consecutive pre-season games.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Uganda favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Congo DR are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

When Son Heung-Min is on the pitch — 4 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Friendlies's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. City are seeking upwards of £60m for the 30-year-old midfielder, who has entered the final year of his deal.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.