Uganda's national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, have named an 18-player squad for the second round of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Co-coaches Geofrey Akabwai and Rica Byaruhanga selected 17 players from the domestic Beach Soccer League and one from the Secondary School League.
Uganda received a bye in the first round and will enter the competition at the second round stage in October.
The first leg matches are scheduled between October 9 and 11 with return legs between October 16 and 18.
The squad is expected to report for a residential training camp at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District, on Thursday September 24.
Rogers Omedwa of Kampala City BSC, Hillary Innocent Ayebale of MUBS BSC and Samson Kirya of Mutoola BSC will compete for the three goalkeeping slots.
The midfield department features twelve players including Sharif Opuli and Hassan Luboyera of Kampala City BSC.
Sharif Lubega and Jonathan Kikonyogo of SLAU BSC, Paul Lule of Buganda Royal BSC and Deus Turyamuhaki of MUBS BSC are also included.
Peter Mukwata of Mutoola BSC, Martin Kikambi of SLAU and Charles Batibwe of Ntungasazi complete the midfield contingent.
Up front, Godfrey Edweu and Ambrose Kigozi of Kampala City BSC lead the attack alongside Joseph Ssendi of Buganda Royal.
Wirrock Joe Mbabazi of MUBS BSC and Steven Nyalimo of Mutoola BSC provide further striking options.
Jonathan Mugisha of Standard High School Zana is the sole representative from the Secondary School League.
Baker Lukooya will serve as assistant coach while Tonny Ssebaggala takes the team manager role.
Dr Ivan Kulika has been appointed team doctor with Julius Mutebi as media officer.
The qualifiers will determine the teams that progress to the Beach Soccer AFCON finals in Senegal in 2026.
Squad breakdown
- Goalkeepers (3): Rogers Omedwa (Kampala City BSC), Hillary Innocent Ayebale (MUBS BSC), Samson Kirya (Mutoola BSC)
- Midfielders (12): Sharif Opuli, Hassan Luboyera (Kampala City BSC); Sharif Lubega, Jonathan Kikonyogo (SLAU BSC); Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC); Deus Turyamuhaki (MUBS BSC); Peter Mukwata (Mutoola BSC); Martin Kikambi (SLAU); Charles Batibwe (Ntungasazi)
- Forwards (5): Godfrey Edweu, Ambrose Kigozi (Kampala City BSC); Joseph Ssendi (Buganda Royal); Wirrock Joe Mbabazi (MUBS BSC); Steven Nyalimo (Mutoola BSC)
- Secondary School League (1): Jonathan Mugisha (Standard High School Zana)
Source: Kawowo Sports
