By Lubulwa Edrine
The world football governing body, FIFA, has listed Dennis Omendi’s exceptional goal against KCCA FC in the Uganda Super 8 on August 26th 2024 at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo as a potential contender for the prestigious Puskas Award.
The award recognizes the most spectacular goal of the year across both men’s and women’s football.
An exquisite rabona goal by Kitara striker was the highlight as the Royals drew 3-3 with KCCA to progress to the FUFA Super 8 semi finals on a 4-3 aggregate.
On the spin, which left the KCCA defender headed in the opposite direction just outside the penalty area, Omedi improvised, crossing his right leg behind the back of the standing left to score a beauty that left KCCA young goalkeeper Anthony Emojong with no chance.
Since then, this remarkable goal has become a hot topic in the local football fraternity, and it comes as no surprise that FIFA has also taken notice.
Recently in 2023 Viper’s bright Ankani was nominated in the FIFA Puskas award for his strike against Bright Stars in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The accolade is named after legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskas who was famed for his glorious individual strikes. It celebrates the most spectacular goals of the qualifying period, which was from 21 August 2023 to 10 August 2024.
The voting is now open for the 2024 FIFA Puskas Award, with 11 Jaw – dropping goals in contention for the prize.
It is important to note that the Puskas Award winner is determined through a combination of fan votes from around the world and the opinions of expert panelists.
The eleven 2024 FIFA Puskas Award Spectacular contenders include Hassan All Haydo, Terry Antoni, Yassine Benzia, Walter Bou, Michaell Chirinos, Federico Dimarco, Alejandro Garnacho, Mohammed Kudus, Denis Omedi, Paul Onuachu and Jaden Philogene.
