Uganda U20 head coach Laryea Kingston has unveiled a 20-man squad for the AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, with the Hippos set to begin their continental qualification campaign in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The regional tournament runs from September 14 to 24 and offers Uganda a route towards the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, making Kingston’s selection the first major step in the Hippos’ bid to secure a place at the continental finals.
Kingston has blended locally based prospects with Ugandan youngsters plying their trade in the United States and Europe, reflecting the growing depth available to the national U20 side.
BUL FC’s Adrian Isabirye and Lugazi FC’s Batali Igama have been selected as the goalkeeping options, while the defensive unit includes University of California-based Mimosa Yashir, KCCA FC’s Hakim Kawuki and NEC FC’s Hakim Wandera.
SC Villa duo Gilbert Ogenrwot and Raymond Mangoli are also part of the defensive contingent, alongside St. Mary’s Kitende’s Elvis Opakrwoth, Steven Oyirwoth of UNC Men’s Soccer in the United States and Meddy Mutamba of Busoga United.
The midfield has a strong Vipers SC presence, with Amour Munogera joined by Vipers SC JT teammates Brian Owino and Ashraf Kyakuwa.
Masaka Sunshine midfielder Isma Magala and Genesis Odiya of NK Tabor Sežana complete the midfield options.
Kingston has also entrusted a five-man attacking group with the responsibility of providing the goals.
The forwards are Nkoola Arafat of Vipers SC, BUL’s Richard Okello, AC Amager’s Joseph Ssenyondwa and Bukedea Comprehensive duo Derrick Ssozi and Simon Wanyama.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Frank Ankunzire will head the Ugandan delegation, while Kingston will be assisted by Bashir Ssemuyaba.
The technical and support staff also includes goalkeeping coach Stephen Billy Kiggundu, fitness coach Denis Kizito, team doctor Ivan Kulika, kits manager Frank Bumpenje, team manager Brian Umony and media officer Andrew Talenga.
With the squad now confirmed, the Hippos turn their focus to Dar es Salaam, where they will look to make a strong start to the regional qualifiers and lay the foundation for another push towards the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Uganda Hippos U20 Squad
Goalkeepers
Adrian Isabirye — BUL FC
Batali Igama — Lugazi FC
Defenders
3. Mimosa Yashir — University of California, USA
4. Hakim Kawuki — KCCA FC
5. Hakim Wandera — NEC FC
6. Gilbert Ogenrwot — SC Villa
7. Raymond Mangoli — SC Villa
8. Elvis Opakrwoth — St. Mary’s Kitende
9. Steven Oyirwoth — UNC Men’s Soccer, USA
10. Meddy Mutamba — Busoga United FC
Midfielders
11. Amour Munogera — Vipers SC
12. Brian Owino — Vipers SC JT
13. Ashraf Kyakuwa — Vipers SC JT
14. Isma Magala — Masaka Sunshine
15. Genesis Odiya — NK Tabor Sežana
Forwards
16. Nkoola Arafat — Vipers SC
17. Richard Okello — BUL FC
18. Joseph Ssenyondwa — AC Amager
19. Derrick Ssozi — Bukedea Comprehensive
20. Simon Wanyama — Bukedea Comprehensive
