The Uganda Cubs have named their final 23-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Ethiopia, with head coach Laryea Kingston confident his side is ready to defend their crown and book another continental ticket.
After weeks of preparation at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru and later in Kampala, the team departed Entebbe International Airport early Tuesday for Dire Dawa, where the tournament runs from November 15 to December 2.
Uganda, who lifted the title on home soil last December, are placed in Group B alongside Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Djibouti.
Their campaign begins against Burundi on Saturday, November 15, followed by fixtures with Sudan, Tanzania, and Djibouti.
Coach Kingston praised his young side’s progress and spirit after the final training session.
“It has been good so far. The regional scouts did a marvellous job bringing in quality players,” he said.
“Everybody looks sharp, from warm-ups to game situations. I have so much confidence in this team.”
The squad features key players such as goalkeeper Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), defender Trevor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), and striker Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), who are expected to play leading roles.
With a solid mix of school and academy talents from top youth programs, the Cubs now turn their focus to maintaining Uganda’s dominance in the region and earning a place at the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC SA), Richard Mukisa (NEC Junior Team)
Defenders
Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA FC SA), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College School), Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School)
Midfielders
Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program)
Forwards
Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC)
