By Spy Uganda
Uganda National beach soccer team (Sand Cranes) qualified for the semi-finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) beach soccer finals and will face Mozambique on Friday at the Saly beach soccer stadium.
Senegal’s 3-1 win in group A over Tanzania on Wednesday meant that the hosts qualified to the last four stages alongside Uganda.
Uganda’s head coach Salim Jamal Muwonge has expressed the readiness for his team to take on Mozambique with victory securing a slot to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup finals in Russia.
‘‘We are ready to face Mozambique. We have planned for them to counter their strong and weak areas. The players are determined to give 100 per cent in the game’’ Muwonge stated.
‘‘It is a very big privilege that we qualified to the semi-finals on our first time at the AFCON finals. We play Mozambique whom we have watched the play. They play running football and it will be up to us to tame them. At the finals, we are our own driving force’’ Sulaiman Ochero stated.
After the 4-3 win over Tanzania, Uganda had rested on Wednesday and Thursday before Friday’s encounter.
Isma Kawawulo scored a brace with Emmanuel Alex Wasswa and Swalley Ssimbwa on target against Tanzania.
Kawawulo had also netted the consolation for Uganda during the 5-1 loss to hosts and record AFCON beach soccer champions, Senegal.
Full Team:
Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige (St Lawrence University BSC), Nasser Lwamunda (Kiringente BSC), Mutebi Ronald (St Lawrence University BSC)
Defenders:Â 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:Â 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:Â Hamid Juma
Head coach: Salim Jamal Muwonge
Assistant Coach: Bashir Mutyaba
UBSA Chairman:Â Deo Mutabazzi
UBSA Delegate: Anthony Tumwesigye
Team Doctor: Ivan Kulika
Team Coordinator:Â Tonny Ssebagala
Media Officer: Julius Mutebi Bazzeketta
FUFA Secretariat:Â Isaac Natukunda