Jude Ssemugabi made his senior debut on the national team (Uganda Cranes) count with a momentous occasion as he scored against Congo at the Mandela National Stadium.
This was during match day two of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Coming on a first half substitute for Shaban Muhammad, Ssemugabi tapped home past goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila off Allan Okello’s inviting delivery with five minutes to end the game.
Jude Ssemugabi celebrates after the games at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
This was the second goal of the evening for Uganda Cranes after Abdu-Azizi Kayondo’s first half opener in the 20th minute.
Ssemugabi, a forward at Kitara Football Club has since dedicated this goal to the parents and his entire supportive family.
“I dedicate my first senior goal to my parents (Leonard Kasujju and Agnes Nalweyiso) as well as my other members of the family. They have all been courageous and pushed me thus far in my career” Ssemugabi remarked.
Jude Ssemugabi celebrates his goal against Congo with teammates | Credit: John Batanudde
Ssemugabi has also hailed his national team teammates, the technical staff and the fans who cheered on the team throughout the game.
In the same vein, Ssemugabi, a last born child in the family of seven has a special token to his parent club, Kitara FC.
“I wish to thank all my national team members, the coaches and our dear fans who supported the team right from training and throughout the match. My home team (Kitara Football Club) also takes the credit for the platform given to me” Ssemugabi added.
Uganda Cranes fans display messages
Celebrations for Uganda Cranes fans
Uganda Cranes fans
Uganda Cranes fan having happy times in the stands
Joseph Paul Put applauds the fans
Jude Ssemugabi
Ssemugabi’s football journey has been a roll coaster right from the Wabigalo Football Academy, Lake Victoria Soccer Academy – Entebbe, Kiboga Young Football Club, Mbarara City and now Kitara Football Club in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
The Uganda Cranes has now accumulated four points from two matches in group K ahead of a double header with South Sudan in October 2024.
Uganda Cranes play host to South Sudan on 7th October 2024 before traveling to Juba in the return leg a week later.
Uganda Cranes fans in the stands at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
How Uganda Cranes assembled against Congo:
Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Bin Abdul Rashid Watenga (G.K), Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdu Azizi Kayondo, Bevis Kristofer Mugabi Kizito, Elio Capradossi, Aucho Khalid (Captain), Ronald Ssekiganda, Denis Omedi, Travis Mutyaba, Muhammad Shaban, Rogers Kassim Mato
Subs: Alionzi Nafian Legason (G.K), Charles Lukwago (G.K), Jude Ssemugabi, Isaac Muleme, Stephen Desse Mukwala, Hope Calvin Ddamulira Kabuye, Allan Okello, Joel Sserunjogi, Elvis Bwomono, Joackim Ojera, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Halidi Lwaliwa
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