Uganda Sand Cranes Finish Fourth On Debut AFCON Beach Soccer Tournament

By Spy Uganda

Uganda Sand Cranes finished fourth at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) beach soccer tournament in Senegal, West Africa-TheSpy Uganda reports.

Uganda lost the third-place play-off 5-3 to North Africans, Morocco on the final day of the championship where the CECAFA footballing giants were making a debut.

Rabi Aboutalbi and Nassim El Hadaoui each scored a brace and Yassir Abada added the other at the Saly Portudal beach soccer stadium.

Uganda’s goals came from Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (brace) and Baker Lukooya.

The team’s media officer Julius Mutebi Bazzeketta cited a couple of positives from the championship, a spring-board for laying a firm foundation for future engagements as well as appreciation to all stakeholders.

‘It is my pleasure to extend the honest appreciation for the support, airplay and encouragement you showered to the Uganda Sand Cranes during the AFCON beach soccer Senegal 2021 tournament. I believe that together, we stand the biggest chance to promote and obtain the biggest brand for our game in the time to come so that we bounce back stronger on the continent. It was such a great experience and a lot has been learnt. The future is bright’ he disclosed. (Valium)

The team returns home on Monday, 31st May 2021 aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

Meanwhile, hosts Senegal beat Mozambique 4-1 to lift their sixth title, the third consecutive one.

Both Senegal and Mozambique will represent Africa at the FIFA World Cup beach soccer tournament in Russia come August 2021.

Uganda’s Delegation to the AFCON 2021 Beach Soccer Tournament:

Players:

Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige (St Lawrence University BSC), Nasser Lwamunda (Kiringente BSC), Mutebi Ronald (St Lawrence University BSC)

Defenders: Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Davis Kasujja (MUBS BSC), Douglas Muganga (MUBS BSC),Byaruhanga Rica (St Lawrence University BSC), Kikonyogo Jonathan (St Lawrence University BSC), Suleiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University BSC)

Forwards: Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Baker Lukooya (St Lawrence University BSC), Emmanuel Wasswa (St Lawrence University BSC), Swalley Ssimbwa (St. Lawrence University BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal BSC)

Officials:

Leader of the delegation: Hamid Juma

Head coach: Salim Jamal Muwonge

Assistant Coach: Bashir Mutyaba

UBSA Chairman: Deo Mutabazzi

UBSA Delegate: Anthony Tumwesigye

Team Doctor: Ivan Kulika

Team Coordinator: Tonny Ssebagala

Media Officer: Julius Mutebi Bazzeketta

FUFA Secretariat: Isaac Natukunda