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Rogers Mato announced himself on the continental stage in the 67th minute by scoring for the North Macedonian side FK Vardar during their opening UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier.
Mato, who helped FK Vardar secure last season’s Macedonia Cup, entered the match against San Marino’s La Fiorita at 47 minutes, and just 19 minutes later, he made it count. Following an initial strike from Azer Omeragic in the 47th minute and a Mirko Drudi own goal 18 minutes later, Mato’s composed finish from the edge of the box found the bottom left corner, sealing a 3–0 home victory.
The goal not only marked Mato’s first in European competition but also gave Vardar a comfortable cushion ahead of the return leg in San Marino. The result also signals a promising start for Ugandan players abroad, as Svenska side BK Häcken’s John Paul Dembe contributed with solid minutes in the Europa League qualifiers against FC Spartak Trnava.
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Mato’s quick adaptation and scoring instinct are a big reason why he’s a rising star for both the club and Cranes. Rogers Mato helped FK Vardar lift the Macedonia Cup last season, and the Cranes forward is now making his mark on the European stage. A 3–0 cushion for his side offers a strong platform to progress to the next round.
Uganda across Europe is a story worth bragging about. Success stories from Mato and Dembe are an indicator of a growing presence and influence of Ugandan talent in European club competitions.
