AFCON 2025: Elvis Bwomono savours Uganda qualification as St Mirren star eyes squad place

Elvis Bwomono admits he felt part of Uganda’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification even though he was thousands of miles away.

The 25-year-old wing-back wasn’t selected for the Cranes’ international window fixtures this month. But the St Mirren defender joined in the celebrations as Uganda booked their place in next year’s tournament.

A 3-2 win for South Sudan over Congo sealed the deal for Paul Put’s squad with Bwomono catching his pal, former Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi, on a video call to enjoy the moment.

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Uganda lost 2-0 to South Africa but went on to beat Congo 1-0 although both matches were meaningless with their AFCON ticket already stamped.

Bwomono now has extra motivation as he looks to win his way back into the squad ahead of next winter’s competition which is taking place in Morocco.

He said: “Being an international footballer, you want to be playing every game. But with me not playing as consistently as the manager would want, it’s understandable I wasn’t in the squad.

“When they qualified, I FaceTimed them straight away and they were all jumping around and excited.

“It was just a lovely moment for everyone connected to Uganda. I spoke to Bevis as soon as the qualification was secured and after the games as well.

“I watched both games. Obviously the first game was disappointing to lose but the qualification was already secured. I just need to play regularly for St Mirren and continue playing the way I play.

“The manager spoke to me privately about a week ago about what I just needed to do. That gives me every single hope for being in a squad for December 2025. It’s a good target to have even though it’s a while away. It’s the biggest tournament I can play.

“Obviously we can qualify for the World Cup but we haven’t yet. The Africa Cup of Nations will be new to me but it will be a massive achievement in my career.

“It’s probably the biggest thing I can do for myself and my family. To play for Uganda...the joy it brings my family and just for myself is massive.”

Bwomono is full of praise for Belgian coach Put and the work he has done to deliver success for Ugandan football.

He said: “It’s massive for the country and our football. I think we’re on a trajectory of really surprising people.

“We’re now coming to the forefront and we want to showcase our talents at the biggest stage of African football, which is the AFCON. I think we’ll be ready. Our coach has come in and he’s really turned us around.

“It’s very professional. The way we play and everything that we do is courtesy of him.”

Bwomono says there is plenty of football talent in Uganda ready to be unearthed with team-mate Jonah Ayunga having said something similar about Kenyan football.

He added: “I think African football is starting to showcase its talents. With the scouting network teams in the UK have, I think they do tap into it a lot more. A lot more talent has emerged.”

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