By Geoffrey Mugabi
The Uganda Cranes and Kitara FC striker Denis Omedi has been nominated for the 2024 FIFA Puskas Award.
His goal against KCCA FC in the FUFA Super 8 has been nominated as one of the best goals for 2024.
On 26th August this year, Omedi scored an unbelievable goal in the 10th minute, which ended 3-3, as Kitara eliminated KCCA FC and progressed to the next round of the cup.
He beat his marker and pulled off a powerful and beautiful rabona, beating goalkeeper Anthony Emojong to find the back of the net to send the fans wild.
In 2023, during a Uganda Cup game, former Vipers midfielder Bright Anukani scored a beautiful goal from his own half against Soltilo Bright Stars, which was recognized by FIFA, although he didn’t contest for the award.
Omedi’s extraordinary strike will compete with professional players like Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who scored a volley against Everton, among others.
If Omedi wins the award, he will become the second player to win it with a rabona goal, after former Tottenham player Erik Lamela, who won it in 2021 with his goal against Arsenal.
The voting for the 2024 FIFA Puskas Award has 11 goals in contention for the prize, and it’s now open to vote.
The winner will be determined by fan votes and football experts who are panellists.
The accolade is named after the famous legendary Hungarian striker, Ferenc Puskas, who was famed for his extraordinary individual strikes.
It celebrates the most spectacular goals of the qualifying period, between 21st August 2023 and 10th August 2024.
The full list of the 2024 FIFA Puskas Award contenders are:
– Denis Omedi
– Hassan All Haydo
– Terry Antoni
– Yassine Benzia
– Walter Bou
– Michaell Chirinos
– Federico Dimarco
– Alejandro Garnacho
– Mohammed Kudus
– Paul Onuachu
– Jaden Philogene
