By 
Uganda’s Sand Cranes have secured a place at the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Burundi 9-6 in the second leg of their qualifying tie at Bunjako Beach on Sunday.
The result was enough to send Uganda through after the two sides had played to an entertaining 4-4 draw in the first leg.
Uganda produced another high-scoring display on home sand, with Joshua Letti Lubwama, Baker Lukooya and Godfrey Edweru scoring twice each.
Ambrose Kigozi, Brian Nkuubi and Paul Lule completed the scoring for the hosts as Uganda booked their place at the continental finals.
Burundi remained competitive throughout the encounter, with La vie Nininahazwe and Mossi Nshimirimana each scoring three goals.
The qualification marks a significant achievement for the Sand Cranes, who will now represent the CECAFA region at the continental tournament.
“We are very happy to qualify for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations. We have worked really hard to be able to qualify,” said Lukooya.
Uganda will be the only CECAFA representative at the finals after Tanzania were eliminated by Mozambique during the qualifying campaign.
The 2026 CAF Beach Soccer AFCON will be hosted by Senegal from November 7-15, with eight teams expected to compete for the continental title.
The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The two finalists will earn tickets to the global tournament.
