Uganda Cranes Goalkeeper Watenga Returns After 299 Days Out with Injury

Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Isima Watenga has returned to training after spending 299 days on the sidelines following ACL surgery.

Watenga resumed training on 4 April 2026, marking his first session since sustaining the injury in June 2025.

The Uganda Cranes’ first-choice goalkeeper had been out since mid-last year after undergoing surgery on his knee. He suffered the injury during an international friendly match.

In that game, Uganda played to a 1-1 draw against The Gambia in Morocco, with Rogers Mato giving Uganda the lead before Alassana Manneh equalised.

Watenga, however, sustained a knee injury during the match and was forced off, with Joel Mutakubwa coming on as his replacement. He was subsequently rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Following medical assessments, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations confirmed that the goalkeeper had suffered an ACL injury that required surgery.

“Following last night’s assessments, Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Isima Watenga has been diagnosed with a right knee ACL injury. Sadly, he will need surgery upon his return from camp,” FUFA said in a statement at the time.

Watenga later underwent surgery in South Africa and has been in recovery until his return to training over the weekend.

The shot-stopper missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to the injury but now has ample time to regain full fitness ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya between 19 June and 18 July 2027.