Sand Cranes fight back to hold Burundi

Uganda’s Sand Cranes fought back from three goals down to earn a 4-4 draw against Burundi in the first leg of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Bujumbura on Saturday.

Burundi took control at Olympe Africa Grounds in Nyabugete, going 3-0 ahead, but Uganda refused to give up. Sharif Opuli and substitute Jonah Mugisha scored twice each to complete the comeback and keep the Sand Cranes’ qualification hopes alive.

The draw leaves the tie wide open ahead of the return leg on Sunday, October 18, at Bamboo Gardens in Kasanje, where Uganda will seek victory to secure a place at the finals in Senegal.

The match marked the opening fixture for both teams in the second round of qualifying.

The Sand Cranes also received support from the Uganda Embassy in Bujumbura and the Association of Ugandans in Burundi, who turned out to cheer the team.

Beach Soccer differs from conventional football, with players competing barefoot on sand in smaller teams and shorter periods. The game often produces high scores and acrobatic finishes.

Uganda will now look to turn its resilience in Bujumbura into a winning performance at home, with the aggregate score over the two legs determining who advances to the continental finals.

Team line-ups

Burundi: Ally Nzeyimana (GK), Assumani Hatungimana, Cedrick Uwimana, Mossi Nsimirimana (captain), Nicolas Irakoze.

Substitutes: Masoudi Nkurunziza, La Vie Ninahazwe, Christian, Florent, Tresor Mugisha, Papy, Deo Ndayishimiye.

Uganda Sand Cranes: Samson Kirya (GK), Hassan Ali, Sharif Opuli (captain), Worrick Mbabazi, Godfrey Edweu.

Substitutes: Rogers Omedwa (GK), Peter Mukwata, Charles Batiibwe, Jonah Mugisha, Steven Nyalimo, Paul Lule, Jonathan Kikonyogo.

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