Sand Cranes coach Geofrey Akabwai believes his team is ready to take the first step towards the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after completing preparations for Saturday’s first-leg qualifier against Burundi.
Akabwai was pleased with the work done in camp and believes the players have the quality and tactical understanding to win away from home.
“Today marked the end of our camp and our training sessions in preparation for the game against Burundi, away in Burundi. All the boys are set,” Akabwai said.
“We believe as coaches, and as a head coach, that the training and tactics we have given them are enough for them to win the first game we are going to have in Burundi.”
The coach also confirmed that the squad is injury-free and ready for the trip.
“All the players are injury free, all the squad is beaming to go. They are ready to represent the country, and we are travelling tomorrow,” he said.
Uganda will leave on Thursday, October 8, with Akabwai hoping an early arrival will give the players time to adjust to Burundi’s weather and heat before Saturday’s game.
“We hope we are travelling early morning so that we reach their side in Burundi very early, so that they can get used to the weather that is in Burundi and also get used to the sun that is in Burundi before our game on Saturday.”
The first leg will be played in Burundi on October 10, with Uganda hosting the return leg on October 18 at Bamboo Gardens, Kasanje. Remember, Sand Cranes received a bye in the first round and will enter the qualifiers at the second round stage.
Akabwai has named a 13-player squad for the tie.
Final squad
Rogers Omedwa (Kampala City BSC), Samson Kirya (Mutoola BSC), Sharif Opuuli (Kampala City BSC), Hassan Luboyera (Kampala City BSC), Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Jonathan Kikonogo (SLAU BSC), Peter Roland Mukwata (Mutoola BSC), Charles Okello Batibwe (Ntungasazi), Godfrey Edweu (Kampala City BSC), Joseph Ssendi (Buganda Royal BSC), Wirrock Joe Mbabazi (MUBS BSC), Steven Nyalimo (Mutoola BSC) and Jonah Mugisha (Standard High School Zana).
The 20-member delegation will be led by FUFA Honorary Executive Committee Member Kalibbala John Chrizestom.
Football Development Director Mutyaba Bashir, assistant coach Byaruhanga Rica, team doctor Kulika Ivan, team manager Ssebaggala Tonny and media officer Mutebi Julius complete the technical and administrative team.
Uganda will now look to turn its confidence from camp into a strong first-leg result before the return match in Kasanje.