Uganda’s Sand Cranes have vowed to finish the job in Kampala after staging a spirited comeback to draw 4-4 with Burundi in the first leg of the second round of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Beach Soccer qualifiers, setting up a decisive return leg on October 18.
The result leaves the tie finely balanced, with both sides still firmly in contention for a place at the continental showpiece. Uganda will now look to turn home advantage into a decisive weapon as they seek to overcome Burundi and keep their AFCON qualification dream alive.
The Sand Cranes endured a difficult start in the away encounter, falling 1-0 behind in the opening quarter before the hosts maintained their advantage in a second period that ended 4-3 in Burundi’s favour.
However, Uganda refused to surrender. A dramatic third quarter saw the visitors find the equaliser, scoring the only goal of the period to secure a 4-4 draw and ensure the contest remains wide open ahead of the return fixture.
Despite missing out on an away victory, head coach Akabwai Geofrey believes the first leg has provided valuable lessons that his side must use to their advantage in Kampala.
“We have drawn 4-4 away from home against Burundi. Although it is not the result we wanted, we still have time to rectify the mistakes the boys made, and we now know the kind of game our opponents play,” Akabwai said after the match.
Akabwai’s message is clear: Uganda must learn from their defensive shortcomings and sharpen their performance before the decisive encounter, where there will be little room for error.
With qualification on the line, the Sand Cranes will be counting on a stronger collective display and the backing of their home supporters to push them across the finish line.
Captain Opuuli Sharif has already struck a confident tone, promising a different outcome in Kampala and urging fans to rally behind the team.
“Today, it was a draw away from home, and as captain, I assure you that we shall win the game at home. I call upon all the fans to rally behind us that day because we want to win this game for them,” Opuuli told the media during the post-match interview.
The captain’s rallying call sets the tone for Uganda’s preparations, with the team now focused on turning the encouraging comeback in Burundi into a winning performance on home sand.
Uganda received a bye in the first qualifying round and did not feature in the opening stage of the competition. Their campaign now hinges on the return leg, where they must capitalise on home support and deliver when it matters most.
All roads lead to Kampala on October 18, when the Sand Cranes will have the opportunity to turn their hard-earned away draw into a decisive victory and move a step closer to AFCON qualification. Burundi, however, will arrive determined to spoil the hosts’ plans, ensuring that the second leg promises a tense battle with continental ambitions at stake.