Uganda U-23 (The Kobs) will today on Sunday, July 18 2021 afternoon officially start their journey in the 2021 CECACA U-23 Challenge Cup against guests Democratic Republic of Congo in an early kick off at the Bahir Dar International Stadium. The game will start at 1pm.
Uganda is the defending champion as they beat Eritrea 3-0 at the MTN Phillip Omondi Stadium in 2019.
Having conducted several training sessions at the Bahir Dar university stadium, Ethiopia since their arrival on Wednesday, Head Coach Morley Byekwaso believes the players are well prepared mentally and physically to encounter DRC with a victory in sight to ensure qualification to the semi-finals.
“The players are well and in good moods. We are strong mentally and physically to face DR Congo. The players are now used to the weather conditions here and ready to give 100 percent,” said Byekwaso.
Similarly team captain Enock Walusimbi thinks the team is ready to kick off the title defense on a high.
“We reached very well and have settled in well. We are all set to get three points in the game. We take every match seriously because we need to win the trophy like the rest of the Uganda’s teams at these CECAFA tournaments,” said Walusimbi.
Uganda is pitted in Group A that also has Tanzania and guests DR Congo.
The top team will qualify to the knockout stage. The format of this tournament will see one best runner-up from the three groups also reach the quarterfinal.
Uganda U-23 Squad:
Goal Keepers: Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Saidi Keni (SC Villa), Dennis Otim (Express FC)
Defenders: Enock Walusimbi (Express FC), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers SC), George Kaddu (Wakiso Giants FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (BUL FC), Magambo Peter (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito ( SC Villa)
Midfielders: Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), , Steven Sserwadda (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (KCCA FC), Salim Abdallah (SC Villa).
Forwards: Mukwala Stephen Dese (URA FC), Ivan Bogere (Wakiso Giants FC), Saddam Masereka (SC Villa), Julius Poloto (KCCA FC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Hakim Kiwanuka (Proline FC), Derrick Kakooza (Police FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (KCCA FC)
How To Watch
The match between Uganda Kobs and DR Congo will be broadcast live on Azam Sports 2 HD (Azam Decorders).
FUFA FM will have the radio commentary.