CAF U17 Afcon (April 14-28)
Sunday
Uganda vs Angola
Wednesday
Uganda vs Tanzania
Saturday
Nigeria vs Uganda
Group A: Tanzania, Angola, Nigeria, and Uganda
Group B: Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Morocco
Cecafa region conquerors Uganda are making their Afcon U17 finals debut and will look to get their championship campaign off to a strong start when they take on Angola in group A this Sunday at the national stadium, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The Cubs, under then head coach Peter Onen, were crowned winners of the Cecafa zonal qualifiers following their 3-1 win over Ethiopia in the final at the National stadium in Dar es Salaam last August.
Now, under Ghanaian Fabien Paa Kwesi as the head coach, the Uganda Cubs are looking forward to impress at the continental showpiece and get to at least semi finals so that they can qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA 2019 U17 World Cup due September 19 to October 8 in Brazil.
“I think we are doing well. The 10-day camp in Nairobi helped the boys to work harder because it is common knowledge that boys of this age get excited when they travel to other countries and you can see the morale. The players have coped up with the training and are improving day by day,” noted Kwesi, who is barely a month as Cubs head coach.
At his unveiling last month, Kwesi admitted that he had limited time to prepare the team, but maintained that he had come for a mission.
“I am here for a mission. First, I want to guide the Uganda U-17 team at the AFCON U-17 finals. The time is very short but I will give it all my best shot. The youth need patience to work with and develop to their best,” said the former Ghana U17 Coach after FUFA unveiled him on a one-year deal.
Uganda Cubs played two friendly games while camped in Kenya; drawing both against Kenya U18 (0-0) and Gor Mahia FC U20 (4-4) respectively. Despite not registering victory, the results impressed Kwesi, who guided Ghana to win silver at the U17 AFCON in Gabon in 2017 and finished in the last eight at the FIFA World Cup in India.
The top two teams from each of the two groups get to the semi finals while all the last four will represent the continent at the world showpiece in Brazil later this Year.
Uganda Cubs Squad:
Goalkeepers: Delton Oyo (Kirinya Jinja SS), Jack Komakech (Ndejje University), Patrick Mubiru (Bright Stars)
Others: Kevin Ssekimbegga (Express), Ibrahim Juma (KCCA), Samson Kasozi (Bright Stars), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Vipers SC -Cpt), Innocent Opira (Ndejje University), Davis Ssekajja (Bright Stars), Thomas Kakaire (Bright Stars), Iddi Abdul Wahid (Cagliari – Italy), Polycarp Mwaka (Ndejje University), Edrine Opaala Mukisa (Kirinya Jinja SS), John Kokas Alou (URA), James Jarieko (Paidha Black Angels), Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Isma Mugulusi (Kirinya Jinja SS), Rogers Mugisha (Mbarara City), Justin Opiro (KCCA SA), Andrew Kawooya (Vipers SC)
Officials:
Rasoul Ariga – Leader of Delegation
Paa Samuel Kwesi Fabin – Head Coach
Jackson Magera – Assistant coach
Hamuza Lutalo – Assistant coach
Mubarak Kiberu – Goalkeeping coach
Derrick Osei-Owusu – Fitness coach
Emmanuel Nakabago – Team Doctor
Bashir Mutyaba – Team Coordinator
Bosco Omaria – Media Officer
