Sand Cranes Face Tough AFCON Draw Against Senegal, Mozambique and Ghana

Uganda's national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, will have another opportunity to elevate their standing in African beach soccer when they compete at the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal from November 28 to December 6. This marks Uganda's third appearance at the continental finals, and the team is determined to build on past performances and vie for a spot at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

A Challenging Group A

The Sand Cranes have been placed in Group A alongside hosts and defending champions Senegal, Mozambique, and Ghana. Group B comprises Mauritania, Morocco, Malawi, and tournament debutants Angola. The draw presents a formidable challenge, particularly with Senegal's dominant record in the competition.

Senegal, the reigning African champions, have clinched the title five times, including the last five editions in 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Their experience extends to the global stage, having appeared at 10 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups. Such a pedigree makes them one of the teams Uganda must prepare for meticulously.

Mozambique are also familiar foes. They defeated Uganda 6-3 in the semi-finals of the 2021 AFCON before finishing as runners-up. Since then, they have established themselves as one of the experienced sides in the competition. Ghana, meanwhile, return to the continental finals after overcoming Nigeria in the qualifiers, adding another layer of difficulty to Uganda's group.

Coach Akabwai's Perspective

Head coach Geoffrey Akabwai acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic. "It's not an easy group, but at this level we have to beat the best so that we can also be the best and win," he said. "In East Africa, we are representing the CECAFA region, and this is a big responsibility for us as Sand Cranes."

Akabwai is focused on addressing the team's weaknesses, particularly in defense and attack. "During camp, the focus will be on the defensive and the striking force because we conceded so many goals during the qualifiers, but we also scored fewer goals," he noted. Uganda progressed to the finals after a 13-10 aggregate victory over Burundi, winning the second leg 9-6.

The coach is confident that the team will compete well and has set a clear target: reaching the semi-finals, which would put Uganda one step away from World Cup qualification. "I promise we shall go and compete and represent East Africa very well. The main target when we go to AFCON is qualifying for the World Cup. The semi-finals are our target, and once we reach the semi-finals, we shall have one leg to the World Cup," he added.

Road to the World Cup

The two finalists at the tournament will represent Africa at the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, whose venue is yet to be confirmed. Uganda's path to the finals saw them overcome Burundi in the qualifiers, but they will need to improve their defensive organization and finishing to progress beyond the group stage.

Akabwai works alongside Rica Byaruhanga on the national team technical bench. Both previously served the game as players before transitioning to coaching roles. Their combined experience will be crucial in guiding the Sand Cranes through a challenging group.

As the team prepares for the tournament, fans across East Africa will be hoping the Sand Cranes can rise to the occasion and make history by securing a spot at the World Cup.