The world football governing body, FIFA, has listed Bright Anukani’s exceptional goal against Soltilo Bright Stars FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup 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. In 2022, amputee football star Marcin Oleksy claimed the FIFA Puskás Award for his astonishing scissor-kick goal.
Anukani, the talented playmaker for Vipers SC and the Uganda Cranes, scored this incredible goal on May 20 at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The sequence began with a ball flying from the Vipers’ box, which was expertly forwarded by Karim Watambala and Milton Karisa to Anukani, positioned in the center circle of the football pitch.
Having noticed the opposing goalkeeper, Hassan Matovu, far off his line, Anukani quickly assessed the situation. Demonstrating his skill and precision, the Vipers’ number 10 unleashed a powerful and well-executed strike from his own half.
The ball soared over the goalkeeper and found the back of the net, all within a matter of seconds. 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.
It is important to note that the Puskás Award winner is determined through a combination of fan votes from around the world and the opinions of expert panelists.