Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ismael Watenga could miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a serious knee injury in a recent friendly against Gambia in Morocco.
The experienced shot-stopper, who played a pivotal role during Uganda’s qualification campaign, tore his ACL and will require surgery—forcing him to miss the continental showpiece.
Speaking after the incident, Watenga addressed fans with a message of hope and belief in the team’s depth.
“The country has so many good goalkeepers,” he said. “With or without me, Uganda will still perform well at AFCON.”
His absence will be deeply felt both on and off the pitch. Teammates have expressed concern over the void his leadership leaves behind.
Forward Rogers Mato said, “We’re going to miss his leadership on the pitch and his ability to organize us from the back, especially guiding the younger players.”
The impact has rippled beyond football. Back home, his family has struggled emotionally and financially since the injury. Watenga’s mother, Muduwa Zaituna, revealed how the news affected her.
“When I spoke to Ismael on the phone, he broke down in tears and I couldn’t hold back mine either. He said, ‘Mummy, I don’t know how we are going to survive.’ I told him, ‘My son, be strong. The same God who allowed this injury to happen will surely see us through.’”
His brother, Arafat Kissa Usama, called Morocco a “land of misfortune,” having also suffered an injury there in the past.
