AFCON U20: Uganda begin journey to World Cup qualifications

Monday 20th February 2023.
Uganda vs Central African Republic
Venue: Suez Canal Authority stadium, Ismailia
Kickoff Time: 5PM (EAT)

Uganda Hippos will be out to make intentions clear in their opening group B game against Central African Republic on Monday in AFCON U20 tournament at the Suez Canal Authority stadium, Ismailia.

It will be the opening match of group B and the Hippos will be aiming at nothing but starting on a high note.

Prior to this game, the Hippos have played a total of eight friendly matches, seven in Uganda and one in Egypt, against hosts Egypt, winning six, losing one and one draw.

Greece based midfielder and captain Isma Mugulusi who will be playing his second successive AFCON U20 tournament will lead his teammates out of the tunnel hoping to achieve the ultimate dream of qualifying for the U20 World Cup that will be held in Indonesia between May-June 2023.

Hippos Head coach Jackson Mayanja is hopeful the technical team has done everything and everyone is ready for duty. “Since my first day with this amazing team, the intention has been clear and that is to qualify the team to the World Cup and everything must start against Central African Republic.” He said.

Skipper Mugulusi like his coach believes the need to achieve the World Cup dream is pushing them hard and against Central African Republic they have to immediately show it.

“We are happy and in good mood as players. We are thinking about nothing but this tournament and the first game against Central African Republic is very important to us if we are to achieve our mission of going to the World Cup.” He stated.

In the other encounter from the same group, South Sudan will take on Congo Brazaville.

Uganda reached the finals in the last edition, only to lose to Ghana.

Had it not been the outbreak of COVID-19 that led to the cancellation of the 2021 U20 FIFA World Cup, Uganda would have qualified for that edition.

It should be noted that the teams that reach the semifinal stage represent Africa in the World Cup.

The final traveling 25-man Squad to Egypt

Goalkeepers

Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC)
Kamya Shamulan (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Oyo Delton (SC Villa)

Defenders

Lukwago Haruna (KCCA FC)
Opiru Justine (URA FC)
Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC)
Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC)
Kakogwe Apollo (Wakiso Giants FC)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa), Ibrahim Juma (Leganes CD, Spain)

Midfielders

Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece),
Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC)
Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Mutebi Hakim (SC. Villa), Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)

Forwards

Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC)
Kakande Patrick Jonah (SC Villa), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC),
Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC)
Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20), Alpha Ssali (Proline FC), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC)

Officials

Leader of Delegation: Frank Ankunzire

Head Coach: Jackson Mayanja
Assistant Coach: Massa Simeon
Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu
Fitness Coach: Kasule Noah
Team Manager: Mutyaba Bashir
Team Doctor: Gumisiriza Michael Kamu
Physiotherapist: Kyasimire Darlian
Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire
Kits Manager: Bumpenje Frank.
Videographer: Constant Ali