Uganda Hippos’ head coach Jackson Mayanja has named the final 25-man squad that will represent the country in the U20 Total CAF African Cup of Nations Cup in Egypt.
Singer Bebe Cool’s son, Ssali Alpha Thierry, is among the lucky players who made it to the final squad.
From a young age, Alpha has been in the right hands at the Proline Soccer Academy, nurturing his talent and fine-tuning a few aspects of his game. He was promoted to the Proline FC senior team in 2020.
The young forward was part of the heroic Hippos team that fell short in the last edition of the U20 AFCON that was held in Mauritania. They were defeated 2-0 by Ghana in the final.
Meanwhile, Alpha was unable to make an appearance in the tournament. However, the teenager might get his chance this year.
The Hippos are expected to fly out this evening (6 pm) to Egypt, where a couple of friendly matches will be played. The team will be captained by Isma Mugulusi.
The tournament will take place between February 19 to March 11 in Egypt, with The Hippos pitted in Group B along with Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
The final traveling 25-man Squad to Egypt
Goalkeepers
Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC)
Kamya Shamulan (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Oyo Delton (SC Villa)
Defenders
Lukwago Haruna (KCCA FC)
Opiru Justine (URA FC)
Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC)
Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC)
Kakogwe Apollo (Wakiso Giants FC)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa), Ibrahim Juma (Leganes CD, Spain)
Midfielders
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece),
Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC)
Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Mutebi Hakim (SC. Villa), Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Forwards
Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC)
Kakande Patrick Jonah (SC Villa), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC),
Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC)
Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20), Alpha Ssali (Proline FC), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC)
Officials
Leader of Delegation: Frank Ankunzire
Head Coach: Jackson Mayanja
Assistant Coach: Massa Simeon
Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu
Fitness Coach: Kasule Noah
Team Manager: Mutyaba Bashir
Team Doctor: Gumisiriza Michael Kamu
Physiotherapist: Kyasimire Darlian
Media Officer: Ronald Lusulire
Kits Manager: Bumpenje Frank.
Videographer: Constant Ali