David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Isima Watenga will miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON )due in Morocco later this year.
Watenga torn his anterior cruciate ligament and damaged his posterolateral knee corner during Uganda Cranes friendly against The Gambia on Monday.
The custodian captained the Cranes in the 1-1 stalemate with The Gambia before he sustained a knee injury in the 52nd minute and replaced by Joel Mutakubwa who managed to finish the remainder of the game. He is expected to be out of action for nine months.
Watenga played a pivotal role for the Uganda Cranes as they secured a return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Uganda is among the 24 nations that will participate at the continental showpiece in Morocco slated to take place between 21st December 2025 and 18th January 2026.
Uganda is pitted in Group C that has Nigeria, Tunisia and neighbours Tanzania.
Paul Put’s men will begin the tournament against Tunisia on 23rd December 2025 at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Prince Moulay Abdellah.
They will then face off with Tanzania in the East African derby on 27th December 2025 at Stade Al Barid before ending their group stage campaign against Nigeria on 30th December at Complexe Sportif De Fes.
