Uganda’s Sand Cranes have secured their third appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer Championship after overcoming Burundi 9-6 in a thrilling qualifier at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District, on Sunday.
The emphatic victory sealed Uganda’s qualification with a 13-10 aggregate score after the two sides drew 4-4 in the first leg in Bujumbura, handing the Sand Cranes another opportunity to compete among Africa’s best beach soccer nations
Credit – UBSA
Godfrey Edweru, Baker Lukooya and Joshua Letti Lubwama each scored twice, while Ambrose Kigozi, Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula and Paul Lule added a goal apiece to complete Uganda’s scoring.
Burundi fought bravely, with Ninihanazwe and Mossi Nshimirimana scoring hat-tricks, but the hosts held their nerve in a tense contest to secure qualification.
Uganda took control early, leading 2-1 after the opening period before extending the advantage to 4-2 at the end of the second. The Sand Cranes later moved three goals clear at 6-3, only for Burundi to mount a spirited comeback.
With the visitors threatening, Lubwama produced a crucial finish to make it 7-5 before Ssemakula struck again to stretch Uganda’s advantage. Lule then sealed the victory with a late goal, sparking celebrations on the Buwama beach.
Sand Cranes head coach Geofrey Akabwai praised the collective effort behind the qualification and said the team would immediately turn its attention to preparations for the finals.
“I salute the players, fellow coaches, Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) and FUFA officials for the collective efforts put together for this victory. We shall straight away embark on the preparations for a successful championship,” Akabwai said.
Uganda will now travel to Senegal for the 2026 AFCON Beach Soccer Championship, scheduled for November 7-14, seeking to make the most of their return to the continental stage.
The qualification marks another milestone for Ugandan beach soccer and gives the Sand Cranes an opportunity to build on their previous appearances in the competition.