Uganda U20 head coach Laryea Kingston has trimmed his crew to a 20-man squad for the 2026 CECAFA U-20 Championship, which will get underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on September 15.
The Hippos will probably be hoping to make a powerful push for the regional title, with the match additionally providing a path to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kingston has blended gamers already competing at senior stage with rising expertise from Uganda’s youth setup as he prepares for the match.
Plenty of the chosen gamers are hooked up to golf equipment within the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. They embody NEC’s Hakim Wandera, SC Villa duo Raymond Mangoli Barasa and Gilbert Ogenrwot, KCCA’s Hakim Kawuki, Vipers ahead Amour Munogera, and BUL gamers Adrian Isabirye and Richard Okello.
Lugazi goalkeeper Batali Igama and BUL defender Adrian Isabirye are additionally a part of the squad, whereas Meddy Mutamba represents Busoga United.
The squad additionally options 4 gamers primarily based exterior Uganda. Mimosa Yashir, who’s on the College of California, Steven Oyirwoth of UNC Males’s Soccer, Genesis Odiya from NK Tabor Sezana in Slovenia and AC Amager midfielder Joseph Ssenyondwa convey worldwide expertise to the group.
Masaka Sunshine midfielder Isma Magala is one other participant attracting consideration after progressing by means of Uganda’s youth ranks. Magala was a part of the U17 setup earlier than making the step as much as the U20 crew.
The Hippos will start their marketing campaign on Tuesday, September 15, in opposition to Djibouti, with kick-off scheduled for two:00pm.
They’ll then face Sudan on September 19 as they battle for one of many two obtainable locations within the knockout stage.
The 2 finalists will safe qualification to signify the CECAFA area on the 2026 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda Hippos squad
Goalkeepers: Adrian Isabirye (BUL FC), Batali Igama (Lugazi FC)
Defenders: Raymond Mangoli Barasa (SC Villa), Mimosa Yashir (College of California, USA), Hakim Kawuki (KCCA FC), Elvis Opakrwoth (St. Mary’s Kitende), Hakim Wandera (NEC FC), Steven Oyirwoth (UNC Males’s Soccer, USA), Meddy Mutamba (Busoga United FC), Gilbert Ogenrwot (SC Villa)
Midfielders: Amour Munogera (Vipers SC), Brian Owino (Vipers SC JT), Isma Magala (Masaka Sunshine), Genesis Odiya (NK Tabor Sezana) and Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers SC JT)
Forwards: Richard Okello (BUL FC), Joseph Ssenyondwa (AC Amager), Derrick Ssozi (Bukedea Complete), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Complete), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC)
Technical crew
Chief of Delegation: Frank Ankunzire
Head Coach: Laryea Kingston
Assistant Coach: Bashir Ssemuyaba
Goalkeeping Coach: Stephen Billy Kiggundu
Health Coach: Denis “Denol” Kizito
Group Physician: Ivan Kulika
Kits Supervisor: Frank Bumpenje
Group Supervisor: Brian Umony
Media Officer: Andrew Talenga
Associated
