Uganda’s Sand Cranes head coach Akabwai Geofrey is confident his side has done enough to secure victory against Burundi in the first leg of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Senegal 2026 qualifiers.
Akabwai named his final squad ahead of the second-round qualifying tie, with Uganda set to travel to Burundi on Thursday, October 8, for the first leg scheduled for Saturday, October 10.
The coach expressed confidence in his players after their final training session, insisting that the team’s preparations and tactical work have equipped them for the away assignment.
Credit to UBSA
“Today marked the end of our camp and our training sessions in preparation for the game against Burundi, away in Burundi. All the boys are set. We believe as coaches, and as a head coach, that the training and tactics we have given them are enough for them to win the first game we are going to have in Burundi,” Akabwai said.
The coach also confirmed that the entire squad is injury-free and ready to represent the country as Uganda begins its qualification campaign.
“All the players are injury-free, all the squad is beaming to go. They are ready to represent the country and we are travelling tomorrow,” he added.
Akabwai said the team hoped to arrive in Burundi early enough to allow the players to acclimatise to the local weather conditions and sunshine before the match.
Uganda received a bye in the first round and will therefore open its campaign in the second round against Burundi, with a place in the next stage of qualification at stake.
Credit to UBSA
The Sand Cranes will have the advantage of playing the return leg at home on Sunday, October 18, at Bamboo Gardens in Kasanje, where they will look to finish the job in front of their supporters.
Experienced squad named
The final squad features players drawn from several local beach soccer clubs, including Kampala City BSC, Mutoola BSC, Buganda Royal BSC, SLAU BSC, MUBS BSC, Ntungasazi and Standard High School Zana.
The 13 players named are Omedwa Rogers, Kirya Samson, Opuuli Sharif, Luboyera Hassan, Lule Paul, Kikonogo Jonathan, Mukwata Peter Roland, Batibwe Charles Okello, Edweu Godfrey, Ssendi Joseph, Mbabazi Wirrock Joe, Nyalimo Steven and Mugisha Jonah.
Kampala City BSC has the biggest representation, with four players selected, while Mutoola BSC contributes three.
The 20-member delegation will be led by FUFA Honorary Executive Committee Member Kalibbala John Chrizestom. Other officials include Football Development Director Mutyaba Bashir, assistant coach Byaruhanga Rica, team doctor Kulika Ivan, team manager Ssebaggala Tonny and media officer Mutebi Julius.
Credit- UBSA
With the squad declared fully fit and preparations complete, the Sand Cranes will be seeking a positive result away from home to put themselves in a strong position before the decisive return leg in Kasanje.