CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup
September 21– October 5
Saturday -Gulu
Sudan vs Djibouti, 2pm
Uganda vs Eritrea, 4pm
Sunday -Njeru
Kenya vs Zanzibar, 2pm
Ethiopia vs Tanzania, 4pm
Groups:
Group A: Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti
Group B: Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zanzibar
Group C: Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia
KCCA FC Assistant manager Morley Byekwaso will be put to test as the Uganda national U20 side (Hippos) seek to lift the 2019 CECAFA U20 Championship that commences this Saturday at Pece stadium, Gulu with two matches on match day one.
Uganda is the country to last win the championship under Coach Frank Video Anyanu when it was organized by Eritrea in 2010 before its revival this year.
Ahead of the 2019 kickoff, Byekwaso, who will be assisted by Hamza Lutalo as Hippos head coach, believes that the home support will be vital in the team’s chase for the title.
“We are ready for the tournament. We have trained well and ready to compete after spending a successful camp in Njeru. We selected the best players that we think will deliver. It is also important to know that we want to win in an entertaining style for the fans to enjoy,” noted Byekwaso, who named a 20-man squad on Wednesday for the 11-team tournament.
The Hippos beat Busoga United 7-0 and drew 0-0 against Cranes CHAN team in respective practice matches at Njeru.
The team was given a lovely welcome by fans in Gulu as it arrived for the tournament who FUFA rewarded with the tournament for their passion.
Unlike the 2010 edition, where only two Ugandan match officials were at the tournament, this year, Uganda will be represented by three match officials; one referee and two assistant referees.
The tournament will this year be played in Gulu and at the FUFA technical center, Njeru. Uganda is in Group A along with Eritrea, Djibouti and Sudan.
The hosts play their first match this Saturday at Pece Stadium against Eritrea at 4pm in what will be the second game of the day after Sudan takes on Djibouti. Somalia arrive today as the last country to jet in for the tournament.
All group A games will be played in Gulu just as the opening and closing matches, while other groups will play from Njeru.
The Squad:
Goal Keepers: Jack Komakech (Soccer for Good), Dennis Otim (Mbarara FC) and Patrick Mubiru (B-Stars)
Defenders: Kevin Ssekimbegga (Express FC), Justine Opiro(KCCA JT), Aziz Kayondo (Vipers SC), Robert Kitabalwa (St Mary’s Kitende), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Kenneth Semakula (Busoga United), Derrick Kigundu (Buddo SS)
Midfielders: Joseph Kafumbe (KCCA FC), Davis Ssekajja (B Stars), Hassan Senyonjo (Wakiso Giants), Bright Anukani (Proline FC(, Steven Sserwadda (KCCA FC)
Forwards: Sadat Anaku (KCCA FC), Isma Mugulusi (Busoga Utd), Ivan Bogere (Proline FC), Ivan Asaba (St Mary’s Kitende), Maseruka Sadam (Bul FC), Najib Yiga (Vipers JT)
