Kitara forward Denis Omedi has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 FIFA Puskás Award, following his breathtaking rabona goal against KCCA during the FUFA Super 8 quarter-finals on 6 August 2024 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The goal, which has been described as one of the most spectacular strikes in Ugandan football history, came just a minute after KCCA’s Joel Sserunjogi had opened the scoring with a long-range effort.
Positioned at the edge of the penalty box, Omedi responded with a moment of sheer brilliance, executing a flawless rabona that sailed past goalkeeper Anthony Emojong into the top corner, leveling the match at 1-1.
The game, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, saw Kitara progress to the semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate victory, but it was Omedi’s audacious strike that stole the headlines.
He is now nominated for the Puskás Award alongside other 10 contenders, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, recognised for his overhead kick against Everton, and Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United for his solo goal against Freiburg.
Omedi now stands a chance to join the ranks of football legends who have previously won the accolade, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
If successful, Omedi would become only the second player to win the award with a rabona, following Erik Lamela’s triumph in 2021 for Tottenham Hotspur.
Named after the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, the award honours the most spectacular goals scored during the qualifying period, which this year spanned from 21 August 2023 to 10 August 2024.
Voting for the Puskás Award is open to fans worldwide via FIFA’s official website and will close on 10 December 2024, with the winner set to be announced during the FIFA Best Awards ceremony in January 2025.
Omedi’s nomination not only highlights his individual brilliance but also shines a spotlight on Ugandan football, showcasing the talent emerging from local leagues and elevating the nation’s presence on the global stage.
