Uganda’s Sand Cranes rallied from three goals down to secure a 4-4 draw against Burundi in the first leg of the second round of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Senegal 2026 qualifiers on Saturday in Bujumbura.
The hosts established a three-goal advantage at Olympe Africa Grounds in Nyabugete, but Uganda responded through captain Sharif Opuli and substitute Jonah Mugisha, who each scored twice to restore parity.
The result leaves the two-legged tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg scheduled for Sunday, 18th October 2026, at Bamboo Gardens in Kasanje. The Sand Cranes will aim to use home advantage to secure qualification for the continental finals in Senegal.
The Sand Cranes will now turn their attention to preparations for the decisive return leg, with qualification to the finals at stake.
