Running from March 30 to April 19, the Uganda U17 football team, affectionately known as the Cubs, sets out on a defining quest at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. For Uganda, this competition is more than a continental showcase; it’s a door to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Under the direction of head coach Brian Ssenyondo, the Cubs mix young energy with tactical maturity, a result of Uganda’s fast-evolving football environment.

Homegrown Talent Meets International Flair

Thirteen squad members emerged from the 2025 FUFA Juniors League, reflecting the country’s growing grassroots promise. Among the standout talents:

• Richard Okello (BUL FC JT)—Talismanic captain and clinical finisher.
• Brian Jjara (KCCA FC)—A midfield maestro with top-flight league seasoning.

Adding a cross-continental spark is Ethan Oyedele, a technically gifted midfielder from Bradfield College in the UK. His European experience may prove decisive in close encounters.

Full Squad: Uganda U17 at AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers

• Adrian Mukwanga—Vipers SC Junior Team
• Masabo Muhamad—Lugazi FC Junior Team
• Lukyamazi Ashiraf—KCCA FC Soccer Academy

Defenders

• Jovan Nsereko Mukisa—NEC FC Junior Team
• Hamza Sengooba—Masaka Sunshine FC
• Joseph Langol—Paorhinar Soccer Academy
• Elvis Torach—Masaka Sunshine FC
• Steven Oyirwoth—KCCA FC Soccer Academy
• Travor Mubiru—Vipers SC Junior Team
• Abdul Lukenge Ntege—Maroons FC Junior Team

Midfielders

• Ethan Oyedele—Bradfield College (UK)
• Derick Ssozi—Fort Portal Tax Operators FC
• Thomas Ogema—KCCA FC Soccer Academy
• Isima Mulala Magala—Masaka Sunshine FC
• John Brian Owino—Express FC Junior Team
• Marvin Kabiito—Vipers SC Junior Team
• Ashraf Kyakuwa—Vipers SC Junior Team
• Brian Jjara—KCCA FC

Forwards

• James Bogere—Masaka Sunshine FC
• Richard Okello (Captain) – BUL FC Junior Team
• Simon Wanyama—Bukedea Comprehensive School
• Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo—Namilyango College School

The Qualification Journey: CECAFA U17 Champions

By beating Tanzania 2-1 in the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers final performed at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, Uganda guaranteed their spot in AFCON 2025.  The victory highlighted their tenacity, teamwork, and meticulous game plan—qualities that could enable them to compete against Africa’s best.

Group A Fixtures: High Stakes and High Hopes

Uganda’s Group A matchups are as follows:

• March 30—vs Morocco (Lost 5-0)
• April 3—vs Tanzania    (Won 3-0)
• April 6—vs Zambia

The top two teams, along with the best two third-placed finishers, advance to the quarterfinals, keeping World Cup qualification within reach.

Matchday One: Harsh Lessons from Morocco

Falling 5-0 against hosts Morocco at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Uganda Cubs had a difficult start to their AFCON campaign. Though they lost, the youthful Ugandan team demonstrated tenacity and signs of potential as they acquired important experience on the major stage. Against a clinical Moroccan team, Uganda fell behind early when Ilies Belmokhtar opened the score in the third minute. Aït Cheikh doubled the lead with a bullet header, and a VAR-reviewed penalty saw Real Betis forward Ziyad Baha convert from the spot. Belmokhtar added another before halftime, with Baha sealing the 5-0 scoreline in the 71st minute.

Among the spectators was FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim, who witnessed Uganda’s determination despite the odds. The Cubs now turn their attention to the April 3 clash against Tanzania, where a win becomes crucial.

Matchday Two: Uganda Cubs Beat Tanzania to Boost World Cup Hopes

After a stuttering start to their AFCON U17 campaign, the Uganda U17 Men’s National Team—fondly known as the Cubs—rekindled their World Cup ambitions with a commanding 3-0 victory over regional rivals Tanzania at the Bashir Mohammedia Stadium.

Still nursing the wounds of a disheartening loss to tournament hosts Morocco in their opening match, the Cubs entered Thursday’s clash with urgency and purpose. From the opening whistle, they dictated the tempo, with midfielder Isma Magala and captain Richard Okello threatening the Tanzanian goal in the early exchanges.

Tanzania’s hopes began to unravel in the second half when defender Hussein Ally Mbegu received a red card, leaving his side a man down. Uganda seized the advantage decisively.

The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute—Simon Wanyama, ghosting into the box at just the right moment, latched onto a well-weighted layoff from James Bogere and coolly slotted home.

As the Tanzanian defense wilted under sustained pressure, Okello struck six minutes from time, reacting quickest after Bogere’s initial effort was parried by the goalkeeper. The final blow came deep into stoppage time: a handball in the box by Tanzanian defender Mohammed Makarani gifted Uganda a penalty, which Bogere converted with composed precision.

With their campaign back on track, the Cubs now turn their attention to Sunday’s decisive group stage match against Zambia. A victory there would secure their passage to the FIFA U17 World Cup—a dream very much alive after today’s emphatic performance.

Key Players to Watch

• Richard Okello—Captain and reliable goal scorer
• Brian Jjara—Midfield orchestrator with top-tier experience
• Ethan Oyedele—Visionary passer trained in England
• Ashraf Kyakuwa—Box-to-box midfielder with relentless energy

Tactical Insights: Areas for Improvement

To enhance their chances, Uganda must:

• Tighten defensive coordination under pressure
• Improve midfield transitions and possession retention
• Close down wide attacking threats more decisively
• Construct attacks with greater patience and clarity

These adjustments are essential ahead of a physical and fast-paced encounter with Zambia.

Youth Development: A Rising Football Nation

The Cubs’ lineup reflects Uganda’s maturing football infrastructure. The future of football in the country seems bright, given local academies and leagues turning rich ground for exceptional potential. Investments in coaching, infrastructure, and scouting are starting to show results.

Looking Ahead: Uganda vs Zambia, April 6

The last group-stage battle with Zambia is crucial no matter the Tanzania outcome. A victory will automatically take Uganda to the World Cup.