Ugandan Forward Helps BK Häcken Reach Next Round of UEFA Europa League Qualifiers

Ugandan Forward Helps BK Häcken Reach Next Round of UEFA Europa League Qualifiers

Festus Chuma 09:47 - 20.07.2025

The Cranes prospect scored a decisive goal to help BK Häcken advance in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.

Ugandan forward John Paul Dembe netted a crucial equalizer to inspire Swedish club BK Häcken to progress to the next round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers on Thursday night.

The 20-year-old came off the bench in the 63rd minute and made an immediate impact, scoring a vital goal that leveled the tie against Slovakian side FC Spartak Trnava at 2-2.

The result ensured a 3-2 aggregate win for BK Häcken, who now advance to face Belgian giants Anderlecht in the next round on July 24th.

Dembe’s decisive strike came at a high-pressure moment. With the visitors having mounted a fierce comeback and leveled the aggregate score in the 82nd minute, BK Häcken looked to be heading for a nervous finish.

But Dembe showed composure beyond his years. After a cleared corner fell his way, the young Ugandan controlled the ball with his chest and calmly slotted a low finish past the goalkeeper to restore his side’s advantage.

It was another standout performance for the former KCCA FC star, who also scored twice earlier in the week in a domestic outing, continuing a red-hot run of form.

The striker, who finished as top scorer in the CAF U-20 African Cup of Nations Zonal qualifiers last year, is beginning to flourish in Sweden after a slow start to life at BK Häcken.

In recent weeks, Dembe has been trusted in more decisive moments, and his ability to deliver under pressure is making him a fan favorite. Thursday’s goal was not just a personal milestone, but a crucial moment in Häcken’s European campaign.

The UEFA Europa League qualifiers often provide a platform for emerging talents, and Dembe has seized the opportunity with both hands. As the European season gathers momentum, he joins a growing list of African players making headlines on the continental stage.

BK Häcken now turns focus to their upcoming clash against Anderlecht. And with Dembe in top form and growing in confidence, the Swedish outfit will hope their rising Ugandan star can shine once again.