22 February 2025 | Football

Uganda U17 men’s national team, fondly known as the Cubs, has taken a significant step towards the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Head coach Brian Ssenyondo has summoned a 37-man provisional squad for preparations ahead of the continental tournament to be hosted in Morocco. The squad is expected to enter camp on Monday, February 24 at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.

The Cubs earned their place in the AFCON tournament as CECAFA region champions, having put up a spirited performance in the qualifiers. Their thrilling 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the final was a testament to their resilience, skill, and teamwork.

Ssenyondo has opted for continuity in his selection, retaining the majority of players who played an instrumental role in Uganda’s CECAFA U17 triumph. These players already have an established understanding of each other’s playing styles and tactics, which gives them a competitive edge heading into the tournament.

However, the squad has also been strengthened with new additions, primarily drawn from the FUFA Juniors League and standout performers from school competitions. These fresh faces bring extra energy and depth to the team, ensuring a well-balanced squad ready to take on Africa’s best.

Uganda is in a challenging Group A, where they will battle against the host nation Morocco, fierce regional rivals Tanzania, and a strong Zambian side. Each of these teams presents a unique challenge, and the Cubs must be at their best to advance to the knockout stages.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Lukyamuzi Ashiraf (KCCA FC SA), Waibi Edrisah (Wakiso Giants FC JT), Mukwanga Adrian (Vipers SC JT), Kakaire Nicholas (Soltilo Bright Stars FC JT), Aaron Zziwa (Working FC Academy-England)

Defenders: Torach Elvis (Masaka Sunshine FC), Oyirwoth Pius (KCCA FC SA), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC SA), Ssengooba Hamuza (Masaka Sunshine FC), Nsereko Jovan Mukisa (NEC FC JT), Kayiza Raymond Serunyigo (Soltilo Bright Stars FC JT), Buluma Sudiki (Police FC JT), Shaban Ali (Express FC JT), Mukisa Marcus Jonathan (SC Villa JT), Latigo King Sammy (Empire FC)

Midfielders: Jjara Brain (KCCA FC SA), Walusimbi Abubakali (Vipers SC JT), Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Okello Richard (BUL FC JT), Kabiito Marvin (Vipers SC JT), Owino John Brian (Express FC JT), Kyakuwa Ashiraf (Vipers SC JT), Ogema Thomas (KCCA FC SA), Kamurungi Nuweagaba (Kitara FC JT), Ssozi Derrick (Fort Portal Tax Operators FC), Langol Joseph (Poarhinar Soccer Academy), Ssembusi Patrick (Amus College School), Amaku Guot (Brooke House College-England)

Forwards: Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio (Namilyango College School), Nkoola Arafat (Vipers SC JT), Bogere James (Masaka Sunshine FC), Wanyama Simon (Vipers SC JT), Ntege Abdul Lukenge (Maroons FC JT), Masudi Raphael (KCCA FC SA), Babalanda Tom (BUL FC JT), Mubiru Mahad (Mbale Heroes FC JT), Joel Kigenyi (Bukedea Comprehensive SS)

Technical Team

• Ssenyondo Brian – Head Coach
• Ssali Ronald – Assistant Coach
• Magada Keneth – Goalkeeper Coach
• Massa Simeon – Fitness Coach
• Kizito Dennis – Trainer
• Mutyaba Bashir – Team Manager
• Gumisiriza Micheal – Team Doctor
• Kulika Ivan – Team Doctor
• Damba Veron – Equipment Manager
• Kivumbi Joel Cornerious – Media Officer

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