AFCON 2026 Beach Soccer Qualifiers:
Uganda 9-6 Burundi
The Uganda flag (left) and the Burundi flag (right) during the Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier at Bunjako Beach. Photo: ChampionSport Reporter
(Aggregate: Uganda qualifies with 13-10 aggregate)
Uganda’s Sand Cranes have qualified for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after beating Burundi 9-6 in the return leg of their qualifier at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi district, on Sunday.
Uganda’s Sand Cranes celebrate after eliminating Burundi to qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal. Photo: ChampionSport Reporter
The victory gave Uganda a 13-10 aggregate win after a 4-4 draw in the first leg in Bujumbura, earning the team a historic place at the 2026 finals in Senegal.
Godfrey Edweru, Baker Lukooya and Jousha Letti Lubwama scored two goals each, while Ambrose Kigozi, Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula and Paul Lule added a goal apiece.
Burundi’s Ninihanazwe and Mossi Nshimirimana scored hat-tricks each, but their efforts were not enough to stop Uganda from advancing.
“We are happy to qualify for our first AFCON. This is a big achievement for us, and we thank everyone who supported us,” Edweru said.
Uganda took a 2-1 lead in the opening period and extended it to 4-2 by the end of the second period.
The Sand Cranes continued to attack in the third period, at one point leading 6-3, but Burundi fought back to put pressure on the hosts.
“The game was tough because Burundi kept fighting, but we stayed focused and took our chances. We worked together as a team and deserved this victory,” Edweru added.
Uganda goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa also made an important contribution, saving a penalty as the hosts fought to protect their lead.
Brian Nkuubi scored an important goal before Paul Lule sealed the 9-6 victory with a late strike, sparking celebrations among players, officials and fans at Bunjako Beach.
The qualification marks a major milestone for Ugandan beach soccer, with the Sand Cranes now set to compete against Africa’s best at the continental finals.
The 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Senegal from November 28 to December 6. The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Video from the match
Source: ChampionSport Reporter
