Uganda Hippos (U20) Team will make their maiden bow at the Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations today on Monday February 15 as they take on Mozambique in their opening game at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott in Mauritania.
The Group A second match will kick off at 1:00pm Local time (4:00pm EAT). Yesterday night Cameroon beat hosts Mauritania 1-0 in the opening game of the tournament. Cameroon now are on top of Group A with three points.
Uganda will be looking for a positive start in their first ever game at the competition and Hippos’ Head Coach Morley Byekwaso stated that the players have adapted to the weather and ready for Mozambique.
“We had some problems with the weather here. The wind was too heavy for my players but they have managed to adapt to it. We have made enough preparations to get the best from the match. We respect Mozambique but we are ready and we want to come out victorious,” said Coach Byekwaso.
This will be the first time Uganda U20 to play a Mozambican team at this U20 level. Uganda Hippos played two build-up matches against Tanzania but won one 1-0 and lost the other 5-3.
The Hippos are the Champions of CECAFA and will play Cameroon in the second game on Wednesday February 17 before the last group game against the hosts Mauritania on February 20 2021.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Komakech Jack (18) (Ascent SA), Oyo Delton (Busoga United FC), Ssenyondwa Denis Kaala (SC Villa).
Defenders
Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Semakula Kenneth (Busoga United FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC) Kafumbe Joseph (KCCA FC), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC), Baligeya Simon (Kibuli SS), Abdul Azizi Kayondo (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
Mugulusi Isma (Busoga United FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC) Sserwadda Steven (KCCA FC), Eyamu Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Kawooya Andrew (KCCA FC), Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC), Ssekajja Davis (Bright Stars FC), Wabyoona Faisal (Big Talent SA).
Forwards
Bogere Ivan (Proline FC), Ssenyonjo Samuel (KCCA FC), Kakooza Derrick (Police FC), Basangwa Richard (Vipers SC), Bukenya Joseph Kizza (KCCA FC), Ssali Alpha Thierry (Proline FC).