For every footballer, certain moments stand out as defining chapters in their careers.
Strikers recall their most crucial goals, defenders cherish game-saving tackles, and for goalkeepers, it is the saves that turn potential defeat into triumph that they hold dear.
For Denis Onyango, one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers, selecting his best save from an illustrious career with the Uganda Cranes is no easy task.
Yet, when pressed to choose, one moment shines brightest.
During an appearance on last evening’s Sport This Evening show on NBS Sport, co-hosted by Andrew Kabuura, Brian Tuka, and Ian Mutenda, Onyango reflected on the most significant save of his international career.
Without hesitation, he pointed to his remarkable double save against Zimbabwe in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations at Cairo International Stadium in June 2019.
That evening in Egypt, Onyango once again proved why he was regarded as the continent’s finest shot-stopper when he saved Zimbabwe playmaker Khama Billiat’s shot.
Onyango, rushing off his line, deflected the ball with his leg, only for it to bounce dangerously on the goal line.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, he reacted instantly, diving to swipe the ball away before it crossed the line.
“The save is my most important save because it was for the nation,” Onyango reflected.
“I was trying to help the team progress to the next stage because I knew that if we didn’t get results against Zimbabwe, we’d be out.”
Uganda eventually drew 1-1, securing a crucial point that contributed to their progression to the knockout stage for the first time in 41 years.
But that was not the only time Onyango made a game-changing intervention in the tournament.
In the round of 16 against Senegal, he denied Sadio Mane from the penalty spot in the 61st minute.
Although Mané had already scored earlier in the match, Onyango’s save kept Uganda’s hopes alive, at least temporarily.
“The penalty save against Mané is also very important to me because I tried to keep the team in the game. Unfortunately, we were knocked out,” he recalled.
“These are the things you look at when you retire and say, I gave my best.”
Onyango’s career with the Uganda Cranes is decorated with historic achievements. He made his international debut on June 18, 2005, in a World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde.
Over the years, he grew into a leader, guiding Uganda to their first AFCON qualification in 39 years when the Cranes reached the 2017 tournament.
He would later captain the team at the 2019 AFCON, cementing his legacy before retiring from international football on April 12, 2021.
