Uganda U20 National Team Roster for AFCON U20 Qualifiers Revealed

The Uganda U20 National team has announced a 20-man squad for the upcoming AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers posted between October 6th to 20th, 2024 in Tanzania. Head coach Mathias Lule has released the team after thorough scrutiny at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, from where the squad was trimmed from 45 to 20 players. It will bring out the best of the young talents from East and Central Africa, pitting them against one another as the team representing Uganda, known as the Hippos, defends itself for being the reigning champions.

Uganda U20 National Team Overview

The Uganda U20 National Team has been training intensively for the AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers. With a history of strong performances in this competition, including their championship victory last year, the Hippos aim to maintain their dominance. Head coach Mathias Lule has finalized his 20-man roster from an initial 45 players, leaving out 25 promising individuals after thorough evaluation.

Squad Selection Breakdown

The final squad consists of:

• Goalkeepers:
  Magada Abdu (URA FC), Nsubuga Chris Ronald (Kataka FC), Mugerwa Denis (Vipers SC JT)

• Defenders:
  Namaisi Steven (Kataka FC), Batibwe Charles Okello (Gaddafi FC), Mpasa Swabiru (BUL FC), Toto Majub Brian (Amus College School), Lwenda Sowedi (BUL FC), Anguti Amagu Louis (Coastal Union FC)

• Midfielders:
  Kizito Rayan Figo (Police FC), Kisolo Innocent (URA FC/Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Ssekibengo Godfrey (URA FC/Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Ssekajugo Elvis (Express FC/Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Walusimbi Abubakar (Vipers SC), Oyirwoth Allan (Brooke House College and Academy)

• Strikers:
  Okello Richard (BUL FC Junior Team), Bashir Mansur (Amus College School), Kabagambe Johnson (URA FC), Kisiriko Denis (URA FC), Ddembe John Paul (BK Hacken, Sweden)

The Role of Key Players in the Tournament

The team’s captain, Toto Majub, will be a pivotal figure in defense. He will be accompanied upfront by Bashir Mansur and Okello Richard, to give much-needed firepower in front of the goal. These players have shown consistency in both domestic and international competitions, thus being a good catch in the tournament.

Group Stage Matches and Opponents

Uganda Hippos have been placed to Group B and will face the likes of Ethiopia, Burundi, and South Sudan. The campaign opens with a game against Ethiopia on October 7th, which will be a test for the Hippos’ campaign. The other two games come against Burundi on October 9th and then South Sudan on October 11th.

The top two in each group will advance to the semi-finals where the coveted ticket for next year’s U-20 AFCON will be decided.

Coaching Team and Support Staff

The coaching staff, led by Mathias Lule, is supported by assistant coach Simeon Massa, goalkeeping coach Stephen Billy Kiggundu, and trainer Noah Kasule. They bring rich experience, having earlier led their team to win such tournaments. Their strategic approach and emphasis on teamwork will be handy in countering the challenges thrown up by their rivals in the group stage.

• Head of Delegation: Samuel Mpiima
• Head Coach: Matia Lule
• Assistant Coach: Simeon Massa
• Goalkeeping Coach: Stephen Billy Kiggundu
• Trainer: Noah Kasule
• Team Manager/Safeguarding Officer: Bashir Mutyaba
• Team Doctor: Michael Gumisiriza
• Physiotherapist: Rashid Kebba
• Kit Manager: Frank Bumpenje
• Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire

Conclusion

The Uganda U20 National Team has a pretty exciting and equally challenging campaign in the AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers. There is an articulate mix between youth and experience evident in the team, hence, it can be in a comparably strong position to defend their title. Everything lies in just how well they adapt and the impact their star players will bring into the challenges of the tournament.