By Bob Kasiita
Kitara FC forward Denis Omedi has made history as the first Ugandan to be nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, thanks to his stunning rabona goal against KCCA in the FUFA Super 8 quarter-finals on August 6, 2024, at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The audacious strike came moments after KCCA’s Joel Sserunjogi opened the scoring with a thunderous long-range effort. Positioned on the edge of the penalty area, Omedi responded with a moment of footballing genius, delivering a perfectly executed rabona that curled past goalkeeper Anthony Emojong into the top corner. The goal not only leveled the match at 1-1 but also captivated fans and pundits worldwide.
The thrilling game ended in a 3-3 draw, with Kitara advancing to the semifinals on a 4-3 aggregate. However, it was Omedi’s strike that became the highlight, sparking widespread acclaim and securing his spot among the 11 nominees for the 2024 Puskás Award.
Omedi joins an elite list of contenders, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho for his acrobatic overhead kick against Everton and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus for his dazzling solo goal against Freiburg. If Omedi wins, he will be the second player to claim the award with a rabona strike, following Erik Lamela’s 2021 victory for Tottenham Hotspur.
Named in honor of Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, the award celebrates the most spectacular goals scored between August 21, 2023, and August 10, 2024. Past winners include football greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
“This is a proud moment not just for me but for Ugandan football. To be mentioned alongside global stars is a dream come true,” Omedi said after learning of his nomination.
Fans worldwide can vote for their favorite goal via FIFA’s official website until December 10, 2024. The winner will be revealed at the FIFA Best Awards ceremony in January 2025.
For Ugandan football, Omedi’s nomination is a historic milestone and a testament to the talent emerging from the nation. Whether he lifts the award or not, his breathtaking rabona will remain etched in the annals of football history.
