AFCON 2026 Qualifiers: Sand Cranes Coach Akabwai optimistic as he names Squad for Burundi tie.

Uganda will play Burundi on Saturday in the second-round first leg match of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Senegal 2026 qualifying game.

Ex international and Sand Cranes head coach Goefrey Akabwai expressed the team’s readiness for away clash and he is hopeful his 13-man travelling squad will do the job.

Speaking FUFA website after the final training session, Akabwai Geofrey expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and readiness to compete.

All the players are injury free, all the squad is beaming to go. They are ready to represent the country. 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.’ Akabwai stated.

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. We believe as coaches,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.’ Akabwai told Fufa.co.ug

Among the experienced lads named include, goalkeeper Kirya Samson, defenders Jonathan Kikonyogo and Paul Lule. 

Two Startimes Uganda premier league players; Goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa and Charles Batibwe Okello have also been included in the travelling contingent.

According to Fufa.co.ug, Sand Cranes will depart Uganda on Thursday, 8th October 2026, ahead of the first leg away to Burundi on 10th October 2026.

Uganda will host the return leg on 18th October 2026 at Bamboo Gardens, Kasanje.

Uganda received a bye in the first round and will now begin their qualification campaign in the second round.

The 20-member travelling team is comprised of FUFA Honorary Executive Committee Member, Mr. Kalibbala John Chrizestom, FUFA development Director Mutyaba Bashir, Assistant Coach Byaruhanga Rica, Team Doctor Kulika Ivan, Team Manager Ssebaggala Tonny and Media Officer Mutebi Julius.

Travelling players

Omedwa Rogers (Kampala City BSC), Kirya Samson (Mutoola BSC), Opuuli Sharif (Kampala City BSC), Luboyera Hassan (Kampala City BSC), Lule Paul (Buganda Royal BSC), Kikonyogo Jonathan (SLAU BSC), Mukwata Peter Roland (Mutoola BSC), Batibwe Charles Okello (Ntungasazi), Edweu Godfrey (Kampala City BSC), Ssendi Joseph (Buganda Royal BSC), Mbabazi Wirrock Joe (MUBS BSC), Nyalimo Steven (Mutoola BSC) and Mugisha Jonah (Standard High School Zana).