Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Isima Watenga is likely to miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco after suffering a serious knee injury during an international friendly against The Gambia on Monday in Marrakech. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The injury occurred just seven minutes into the second half following a tough collision with a Gambian player. Watenga had to be substituted and was replaced by Joel Mutakubwa. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for evaluation.
Medical scans confirmed that the goalkeeper had torn his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and sustained damage to the posterolateral corner of his knee. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) later released a statement confirming the diagnosis, noting that Watenga will require surgery once he returns to Uganda.
“With AFCON 2025 only months away, it’s highly doubtful that Watenga will be fit to return in time,” FUFA’s statement read. Sources suggest that his recovery could take at least nine months.
Watenga had been widely regarded as the natural successor to Uganda’s legendary former captain and goalkeeper, Denis Onyango. His absence from the continental tournament will be a significant blow to the Cranes, who had counted on his experience and form heading into the competition.
As Uganda prepares for AFCON, Watenga’s injury leaves a major gap in the squad, with head coach Paul Put likely to weigh new goalkeeping options for the upcoming tournament.https://www.tiktok.com/@nbstvug/video/7518113941483015480
