Uganda Sand Cranes head coach Geoffrey Akabwai has promised a strong performance at the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, saying the team is determined to represent East Africa well.
Akabwai said the Sand Cranes understand the responsibility that comes with representing the CECAFA region and are ready to compete against some of Africa’s strongest teams when the tournament starts in Senegal on November 28.
Photo: ChampionSport Reporter
“It’s not an easy group, but at this level we have to beat the best so that we can also be the best and win. In East Africa, we are representing the CECAFA region, and this is a big responsibility for us as Sand Cranes,” he said.
Uganda are in Group A alongside hosts and defending champions Senegal, Mozambique and Ghana. Group B has Mauritania, Morocco, Malawi and Angola.
Photo: ChampionSport Reporter
The coach has set reaching the semi-finals as the team's main target, knowing that the last-four stage would put Uganda one step away from qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
“I promise we shall go and compete and represent East Africa very well. The main target when we go to AFCON is qualifying for the World Cup. The semi-finals are our target, and once we reach the semi-finals, we shall have one leg to the World Cup,” he added.
Photo: ChampionSport Reporter
However, Akabwai knows that achieving this target will require improvement in the team's defending and finishing.
Uganda conceded several goals and scored fewer during the qualifiers against Burundi, although the Sand Cranes secured a 13-10 aggregate victory after winning the second leg 9-6.
“During camp, the focus will be on the defensive and the striking force because we conceded so many goals during the qualifiers, but we also scored fewer goals,” he said.
The Sand Cranes will face a strong test against Senegal, who are five-time African champions and will enjoy home support. Mozambique are also familiar opponents after beating Uganda 6-3 in the 2021 semi-finals, while Ghana qualified after defeating Nigeria.
Uganda will be making its third appearance at the continental finals. The team reached the semi-finals during its debut in Senegal in 2021 before competing at the 2022 edition in Mozambique.
The 2026 championship will run until December 6, with the two finalists earning Africa's places at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, whose venue is yet to be confirmed.
Akabwai works alongside Rica Byaruhanga on the national team technical bench. Both previously served as players before moving into coaching.
Video from the match
Source: ChampionSport Reporter
