Uganda’s national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, have qualified for the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Burundi 9-6 in the second leg of their qualifying tie.
The victory at Bunjako Beach on Sunday secured Uganda’s place at the continental tournament after the two sides had drawn 4-4 in the first leg.
The Sand Cranes produced a strong attacking performance, with Joshua Letti Lubwama, Baker Lukooya and Godfrey Edweru scoring twice each.
Ambrose Kigozi, Brian Nkuubi and Paul Lule also found the net to complete Uganda’s nine-goal tally.
Burundi fought back through La vie Nininahazwe and Mossi Nshimirimana, who each scored a hat-trick, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Uganda from progressing.
Uganda will be the sole representative of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) at the tournament after Tanzania failed to advance, losing their qualifying contest to Mozambique.
The Sand Cranes will now turn their attention to the finals, scheduled to take place in Senegal from November 7 to 15.
Eight teams will compete for the continental title, with the tournament also serving as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
The two finalists will earn Africa’s places at the global tournament, giving Uganda an opportunity to pursue both continental honours and a World Cup berth.