AFCON U20 Quarter Final

Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Uganda vs Nigeria

Suez Canal Authority Stadium- 8pm

Uganda Hippos quest to play at the FIFA World Cup continues this evening at the ongoing AFCON U20 tournament with a tie against Nigeria in the quarter finals at Suez Canal Authority Stadium.

The Hippos have a grand opportunity of writing history by becoming the first football team in Ugandan football to play at the global stage.

A number of players like skipper Isma Mugulusi, Ibrahim Juma and Ivan Irinimbabazi who were rested in the previous match against neighbors South Sudan return for the crunch game against Nigeria.

Head Coach Jackson Mayanja reaffirmed the target of the team that is qualifying for World Cup during the pre match press briefing.

“From the time I was given the role as Hippos coach I made it clear that qualification to the World Cup is the goal. We have come along way and now closer to it. We play Nigeria which is a strong side but we know what this match means to us. It is a game that can turn around Ugandan football, change our lives, especially for the players.” He said.

Skipper Mugulusi who was with the Hippos in Mauritania and played at this stage vowed to use his experience to lift his side.

“It is a big game against a big nation with history but we also want to write history. We are going to go all out, leave everything on the pitch because this is the moment we have been waiting for.”

The last time the Hippos played at the quarter finals at the AFCON tournament came against Burkina Faso, progressing to the semifinals on penalties.

The winner between Uganda and Nigeria will book a ticket to the U20 FIFA World Cup to be played between May and June this year in Indonesia.

Uganda U20 Men’s National Team finished top of Group B at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a goalless draw against South Sudan on Sunday at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.

The Hippos came into the final group game well aware that a quarterfinal berth had already secured and that partly explains the changes coach Jackson Mayanja made in the starting XI.

The gaffer made five changes from the team that had played against Congo on Thursday.Skipper Isma Mugulusi, John Paul Dembe, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Haruna Lukwago and Ibrahim Juma were rested.

This paved way for Ronald Madoi, Umar Lutalo, Frank Katongole, Issa Bugemba and Travis Mutyaba to start.

Despite getting numerous scoring opportunities, the game ended in a barren stalemate and the result meant Uganda and Congo were equal on every footing including points and goal difference.

CAF had to draw lots to draw lots after the final group games on Sunday to decide on who tops Group B.

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In the draw conducted at Cairo International Stadium, Uganda was picked from the pot (hence won the lot) to finish top.

Topping the Group meant Uganda will face Nigeria who finished second in Group A. The Quarterfinal game will be played on Thursday, 2^nd March 2023.

Coach Mayanja indicated they are still on the right course of qualifying to the FIFA World Cup.

“The most important moment was qualification to the Quarterfinals. Our main target as a team is to qualify for World Cup. We have one more game against Nigeria to achieve it.” He said

It should be noted that the four teams to reach the semi-finals will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Sunday 26th February 2023.

Uganda Hippos vs South Sudan

Venue: Suez Canal Authority stadium, Ismailia – 8 PM (EAT)

Uganda Hippos will play against neighbors South Sudan in the AFCON U20 final group B match this evening at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in the East African Derby.

Despite being assured of a spot in the quarter finals before the game, the Hippos will be aiming at keeping their unbeaten run and returning to winning ways following their two-all draw in the previous match against Congo Brazaville.

Against South Sudan, it will be a repeat of the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers finals which the Hippos won 2-1 last year at Al Hilal stadium, Khartoum.

Head Coach Jackson Mayanja vowed not to underestimate his opponents.

“Many see Sudan as a small team but they are not and we don’t underestimate them. They are a good team and many people will enjoy good football when we play them.” he said in a prematch press conference.

Goalkeeper Delton Oyo who is amongst the three players who featured at the previous edition in Mauritania cherished his experience in inspiring the team.

“I always back anyone who is on the field by encouraging and motivating them which I will do again against South Sudan.”

The teams that reach the semi-finals qualify for the U-20 FIFA World Cup that will take place in Indonesia this year between May and June.

Uganda and Congo played out to a thrilling two-all draw as the two faced off in the second Group B game at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Thursday.

The game played at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday was full of thrilling moments with either side taking the lead at different intervals.

Coach Jackson Mayanja made one change from the team that had started against Central African Republic with Saidi Mayanja getting ahead of Travis Mutyaba.

Congo drew first blood, scoring as early as the seventh minute through Josna Loulendo

He dashed to the near post to head home Prince Aldy Soussou Ilendo’s corner kick delivery.

Uganda found its way back into the game with Titus Ssematimba restoring parity.

The midfielder capitalised on a goalkeeping howler by Christophe Wamba to drill home after the shot stopper fumbled with Rogers Mugisha’s initial free kick.

The Hippos went into the lead just after the half hour mark through Saidi Mayanja whose drive from close range was too strong for the goalkeeper.

Captain Isma Mugulusi did the donkey work on the right wing to perfectly set up fast approaching Mayanja.

Congo were reduced to ten men following the second booking of captain Claude Ngongara at the stoke of half time.

The second half saw both teams moving forward as they chased the next goal of the match under the bright floodlights.

Striker Paul Dembe missed two chances to put the match to bed, failing to capitalize on both occasions.

The Red Devils leveled matters in the 72nd minute from another set piece, this time Prince Mombouli heading into the back of the net.

Substitute Travis Mutyaba had the chance to win it for Uganda at the very end but couldn’t find the much desired drive to beat off Congolese defenders.

The results means both Uganda and Congo are level on four points each while Sudan have three and Central African Republic are yet to pick up a point.

The Hippos will return to action on Sunday in the final Group game against neighbours South Sudan.

TotalEnergies U20 AFCON 2023
Group B
Matchday Two
Congo vs Uganda
Suez Canal Authority Stadium
Kickoff: 8PM (EAT)

Uganda will hope to secure a slot into the quarterfinals of the ongoing TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday as they take on Congo Brazzaville at Suez Canal Authority Stadium.

A victory for the Hippos will automatically send them through to the last eight having attained maximum points in the opening game against Central African Republic.

Coach Jackson Mayanja is aware of what Thursday’s encounter means in the quest to keep the World Cup dream a reality.

“The first game is behind us and Thursday poses a different challenge for us. We have tried to preach this to the boys and I’m hopeful we will come out victorious,” he said in the pre-match press briefing.

“Winning our first game was important but we believe the second game is equally important for us to stand a chance of progressing to the next level.” Added the coach.

Midfielder Titus Ssematimba indicates they know Congo will be tougher than their previous opponent and thus extra efforts must be applied.

“They (Congo) won their first game like we did. Therefore, they are not a pushover for us. We have to work harder and do better than our previous game.”

Uganda won the first group game 2-1 against Central African Republic thanks to goals from skipper Isma Mugulusi and John Paul Dembe.

It should be noted that the four teams that reach the semifinals will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Uganda made a brilliant start to their expedition at the 2023 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, winning the opening Group game against Central African Republic on Monday.

In the game played at Suez Canal Authority Stadium, the Hippos were dominant right from onset, taking charge of every aspect and won 2-1.

Captain Isma Mugulusi and John Paul Dembe scored a goal each for Uganda while Boris Gbenou got the consolation for Central African Republic.

Central African Republic barely troubled Uganda and their resilience in the first half was broken when the Hippos hit the second gear in the second half.

Titus Ssematimba, Ivan Irinimababazi and Travis Mutyaba all came close in the opening minutes but didn’t put the chances to good use.

A minute upon return from recess, Apollo Kakogwe thought he had fired Uganda into the lead but his overhead kick effort was ruled out for offside.

The deadlock was broken a minute later with Isma Mugulusi scoring from close range.

Ssematimba’s headed effort met Mugulusi just around the goal line and his flicked effort found the back of the net.

The captain nearly doubled the lead two minutes later with a well curled effort outside the area but only went just wide.

Ssematimba saw his ferocious effort in the 69th minute ricochet off the post.

It was John Paul Dembe who doubled Uganda’s advantage in the 74th minute with a some effort when he beat off a defender before curling into the top left corner.

Coach Jackson Mayanja made changes bringing on John Paul Kakande and Umar Lutalo for Mutyaba and Rogers Mugisha respectively.

Emmanuel Mukisa also came on for goal scorer Dembe in the 87th minute.

Central African Republic pulled one back deep in stoppage time through Gbenou but it was not enough to salvage them at a point.

Uganda will return to action on Thursday facing Congo Brazzaville who also won their match 2-1 against South Sudan.

Uganda’s starting XI
Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Rogers Torach, Apollo Kakogwe, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Rogers Mugisha, Isma Mugulusi (C), John Paul Dembe, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba

Monday 20th February 2023.

Uganda vs Central African Republic

Venue: Suez Canal Authority stadium, Ismailia

Kickoff Time: 5PM (EAT)

Uganda Hippos will be out to make intentions clear in their opening group B game against Central African Republic on Monday in AFCON U20 tournament at the Suez Canal Authority stadium, Ismailia.

It will be the opening match of group B and the Hippos will be aiming at nothing but starting on a high note.

Prior to this game, the Hippos have played a total of eight friendly matches, seven in Uganda and one in Egypt, against hosts Egypt, winning six, losing one and one draw.

Greece based midfielder and captain Isma Mugulusi who will be playing his second successive AFCON U20 tournament will lead his teammates out of the tunnel hoping to achieve the ultimate dream of qualifying for the U20 World Cup that will be held in Indonesia between May-June 2023.

Hippos Head coach Jackson Mayanja is hopeful the technical team has done everything and everyone is ready for duty.

“Since my first day with this amazing team, the intention has been clear and that is to qualify the team to the World Cup and everything must start against Central African Republic.” He said.

Skipper Mugulusi like his coach believes the need to achieve the World Cup dream is pushing them hard and against Central African Republic they have to immediately show it.

“We are happy and in good mood as players. We are thinking about nothing but this tournament and the first game against Central African Republic is very important to us if we are to achieve our mission of going to the World Cup.” He stated.

In the other encounter from the same group, South Sudan will take on Congo Brazaville.

Uganda reached the finals in the last edition, only to lose to Ghana.

Had it not been the outbreak of COVID-19 that led to the cancellation of the 2021 U20 FIFA World Cup, Uganda would have qualified for that edition.

It should be noted that the teams that reach the semifinal stage represent Africa in the World Cup.

Uganda Hippos intensified their preparations for the U20 AFCON tournament with a friendly match against host nation Egypt on Monday afternoon at the Military Academy Olympic Stadium, Cairo.

The closely contested clash ended in a one-all draw.

The Hippos looked the brighter side in the early stages of the game with John Paul Dembe and Travis Mutyaba both coming close to scoring.

Hippos continued dominating proceedings thanks to the quartet of Ssematimba, Mugulusi, Mayanja and Irinimbabazi taking charge.

With three minutes to the break, the Hippos launched an enticing attack that was initiated by Ibrahim Juma. Ddembe was at the tail end of the move and he did no mistake to break the deadlock.

However, the lead was short-lived with Egypt finding the equaliser at the stroke of halftime.

Defender Apollo Kagogwe was unlike to direct the ball into his own goal.

The start of second half saw coach Jackson Mayanja introduce Rogers Mugisha, Justin Opiro and Issa Bugembe for Dembe, Lukwago and Ssematimba in that order.

Mutyaba won a free kick for the Hippos right at the edge but Juma effort was dealt with by the opponent’s goalie.

Four minutes past the hour mark, Hippos made another change with Umar Lutalo coming on for Saidi Mayanja.

Bugembe came close to restoring the Hippos lead in the 79th minute but his shot was blocked.

Hippos made more changes in the 80th minute with Hakim Mutebi and Patrick Kakande coming on for Mutyaba and Juma respectively.

The Hippos will relocate to Ismailia on Tuesday where they will play their matches in group B against Central African Republic, Congo Brazaville and South Sudan.

The tournament will take place between 19th to 11th March in Egypt.

Uganda Hippos Starting XI

18. Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Apollo Kakogwe, Rogers Torach, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Saidi Mayanja, Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Titus Ssematimba, John Paul Ddembe

Substitutes

Kamya Shamran, Oyo Delton, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Patrick Kakande, Roger Mugisha, Issa Bugembe, Shafiq Magogo, Alpha Ssali, Emmanuel Mukisa, Hakim Mutebi, Samson Kasozi, Frank Katongole

Uganda Hippos (U20) head coach Jackson Mayanja has named the final squad to Egypt ahead of the U20 AFCON tournament.

The squad skippered by Isma Mugulusi is composed of 25 players with three goalkeepers and 22 outfield players.

The team conducted its last training on Friday morning at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

The Hippos are expected to fly out on Saturday evening (6PM) to Egypt and where a couple of friendly matches will be played.

The tournament will take place between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt with The Hippos pitted in Group B along 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

Uganda Hippos (U20) camp has been boosted by the arrival Spanish based left back Ibrahim Juma and midfielder Ivan Irinimbabazi from Scotland.

Juma arrived in the wee hours of Thursday while Irinimbabazi arrived on Thursday afternoon.

Both players headed straight to the team camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi to join the rest of their teammates.

Juma arrives after making his debut at Spanish Segunda side Leganes CD two weeks back while Irinimbabazi has been undergoing trials at Scotish Premier League side Dundee United FC.

The development means it is now full house with head coach Jackson Mayanja expected to name his final 25- man squad on Friday before the team flies out on Saturday to Egypt.

The tournament will take place between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt with The Hippos pitted in Group B along Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.

Goalkeepers

Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC)
Kamya Shamulan (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Nsumba Venacious (Wakiso Giants 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)
Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC) , Pius Ssebulime (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Juma (Leganes CD, Spain)

Midfielders

Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Jemba AbduShakur Ramsey (International House Football Academy, Manchester), 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)

Uganda Hippos (U20) camp has been boosted by the arrival of Greece based midfielder Isma Mugulusi.

The Makedonikos FC player, who is also skipper of the Hippos, jetted into the country in the wee hours of Saturday and headed straight to the team camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.

He didn’t take part in the Saturday morning session due to jet lag and expressed readiness for the task ahead.

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“I am happy to join camp and I am ready to lead my nation to the World Cup. We are aware it won’t be easy as many nations now see us as a strong side but we shall give in all to ensure to achieve what we set and that is going to the World Cup.”

He told FUFA Media.

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Ivan Irinimbabazi (currently in Scotland) and Ibrahim Juma (Leganes CD, Spain) are the other players expected to join the team.

The tournament will take place between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt with The Hippos pitted in Group B along Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

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Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.

Goalkeepers

Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC)
Kamya Shamulan (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Nsumba Venacious (Wakiso Giants 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)
Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC) , Pius Ssebulime (KCCA FC)

Midfielders

Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Jemba AbduShakur Ramsey (International House Football Academy, Manchester), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece),
Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC)
Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa)
Faisal Wabyoona (KCCA FC), Mutebi Hakim (SC. Villa), Hassan Mutaasa.

Forwards

Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC)
Kakande Patrick Jonah (SC Villa)
Hassan Mubiru (Express FC), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC),
Magogo Shafiq (UPDF FC)
Dembe John Paul (KCCA FC U20)
Kato Shaun Senkubuge (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Alpha Ssali (Proline FC), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC)

Uganda Hippos continued with preparations for the upcoming Egypt AFCON U20 tournament with their seventh friendly match on Thursday morning against Soltilo Bright Stars FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium.

The Hippos won the tie 2-0, putting up an impressive display through out the entire match.

Umar Lutalo broke the deadlock in the first half from the spot kick after Soltilo Bright Stars FC defender Gideon Eto handled the ball in the box off a Mayanja Saidi shot.

Bright Stars tried to respond through Sam Senyonjo but was unlucky to miss out on connecting Kasinde cross.

In the second half, the both besides made some changes as the Hippos continued showing hunger for more goals.

Titus Ssematimba then doubled the lead with a beautiful header thanks to Mayanja brilliant cross in from the right.

It the the Hippos seventh friendly match since entering residential camp their sixth win, with one loss.

The AFCON U20 tournament will run between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt.

How both teams lined up.

Uganda Hippos
Abdu Magada, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach,Titus Ssematimba, Travis Mutyaba, Hakim Mutebi, John Paul Dembe, Saidi Mayanja, Rogers Mugisha

Soltilo Bright Stars FC

Hassan Matovu, Jonathan Odong, Omony Denis Kaka, Warren Bbule, Gideon Eto, Fiat Cleophas, Ibrahim Kasinde, Alex Mandela, Sam Ssenyonjo, Noordin Bunjo, Emmanuel Loki

Note: Kamya Shamran, Frank Katongole, Issa Bugembe, Shafiq Magogo, Patrick Kakande, Pius Ssebulime, Ronald Madoi, Kiano Kitareko and Alfa Thierry Ssali came on at different intervals of the second stanza.

Uganda Hippos continued with their preparations for the upcoming 2023 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt with another friendly match on Tuesday morning against KCCA FC at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.

The Hippos came from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to substitute John Paul Dembe leveller and Umar Lutalo winner from the spot after Hakim Mutebi was brought down in the forbidden area.

Earlier before the end of the first half, KCCA FC took the lead through Charles Lwanga.

KCCA FC ended the match with 9 men after defender Peter Magambo was shown red in the first half after a second booking for a foul.

In the second half, forward Muhammad Shaban also saw red from referee Ali Sabira for unsporting conduct.

It was Hippos sixth friendly match since entering residential camp with now five wins and one loss.

The Hippos are expected to play another friendly match on Thursday against Soltilo Bright Stars FC.

The AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt will be played between 19th February to 11th March.

How both sides lined up

KCCA FC: Benjamin Ochan (Gk), Filbert Obenchan, Mustafa Kizza, Peter Magambo, Denis Iguma, Charles Lwaga, Allan Okello, Brian Aheebwa, Usama Arafat, Brian Majwega

Uganda Hippos: Abdu Maganda (GK), Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Rogers Torach, Frank Katongole, Hassan Mubiru, Faisal Wabyoona, Issa Bugembe, Saidi Mayanja, Roger Mugisha

Note: Pius Ssebulime, Dembe John Paul, Patrick Kakande, Titus Ssematimba, Apollo Kagogwe, Hakim Mutebi came on in the second half.

Uganda Hippos (U20) camp has been boosted by the timely arrival of Titus Ssematimba and Travis Mutyaba.

Fresh from the 2022 Algeria CHAN Tournament with Uganda Cranes, the duo joined the rest of the Hippos in camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi and took part in the two hours Monday session at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.

Both players featured in all Uganda Cranes three matches in the group stages against DRC, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

The Hippos relocated to Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi on Sunday after ending their 17 days stay at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.

Before coming to Kisasi, head coach Jackson Mayanja trimmed the squad as preparations continue to take shape.

The tournament will take place between 19th February to 11th March in Egypt with The Hippos pitted in Group B along Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.

Goalkeepers

Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC)
Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Venacious Nsumba (Wakiso Giants FC)
Delton Oyo (SC Villa)

Defenders

Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Justine Opiro(URA FC)Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC), Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC), Apollo Kakogwe (Wakiso Giants FC),Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa)Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC), Kiano Kitariko (Kedleston Road, Derby campus, UK), Pius Ssebulime (KCCA FC)

Midfielders

Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Abdu Shakur Ramsey Jemba(International House Football Academy, Manchester),Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC),Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Faisal Wabyoona (KCCA FC), Hakim Mutebi (St. Mary’s Kitende), Hassan Mutaasa.

Forwards

Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande(SC Villa), Hassan Mubiru (Express FC), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC),
Shafiq Magogo (UPDF FC), John Paul Ddembe(KCCA FC U20), Shaun Senkubuge Kato(Tottenham Hotspur FC)
Alpha Ssali (Unattached)

Uganda Hippos (U20) registered their fourth consecutive win as they continue with preparations for the U20 AFCON tournament scheduled between 19th and 11th March 2023.

They defeated Bul FC 2-0 which was their second meeting at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru on Saturday morning.

Patrick Kakande first half super strike off Rogers Mugisha assist as well as Issa Bugembe second half strike off Haruna Lukwago assist sealed victory for the Hippos.

Jackson Mayanja fielded two different sides in either halves with an aim of continuing to identify different partnerships.

There was a horrific and scary moment in the second half when Hippos midfielder Andrew Kawooya got a knee injury after a collision with two Bul FC players.

Tottenham Hotspur U18 midfielder Kato Shaun Senkubuge also got some minutes in the encounter.

Training will continue on Sunday as the technical team gets set to trim the squad 10 days in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.

Hippos first Team.

Abdu Magada, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Samson Kasozi, Frank Katongole, Patrick Kakande, Saidi Mayanja, Dembe John Paul, Faizal Wabyoona, Rogers Mugisha

Hippos second half team.

Shamran Kamya (Oyo Delton), Haruna Lukwago, Jimmy Ndalambi, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach, Pius Ssebulime, Ibrahim Kasinde (Shaun Senkubuge Kato), Allan Kiggundu, Issa Bugembe, Andrew Kawooya (Hakim Mutebi), Hassan Mubiru.

Uganda Hippos continued with preparations for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament with their third friendly match on Thursday morning at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.

The Hippos played another top tier side Busoga United and won the tie 3-1 to pick their third straight win in friendly games.

Kataka FC energetic forward Emmanuel Mukisa put the Hippos in the lead with a cool finish thanks to Andrew Kawooya penetrative through ball.

Alpha Ssali would have doubled the lead minutes later but had his effort go inches out for a goal kick in the box after Owen Mukisa pass.

In the second half, Jackson Mayanja introduced a number of changes who immediately sparked more fire in the game.

The Hippos scored more two goals in the second stanza through Faizo Wabyoona.

Edrine Opaala Mukisa scored Busoga’s consolation.

The Hippos will play their fourth friendly match on Saturday against Bul FC before shifting camp to the Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi.

The AFCON U20 tournament will take place from 19th February to March 11th 2023.

How the Hippos Started Against Busoga United

Abdu Magada, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Apollo Kagogwe, Cyrus Kibande, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Owen Mukisa, Ivan Mayanja, Emmanuel Mukisa, Andrew Kawooya, Alfa Thierry Ssali

Uganda Hippos (U20) continued with their preparations for the upcoming AFCON U20 tournament scheduled for next month in Egypt with another friendly match on Tuesday evening against Startimes Uganda Premier League side Bul FC at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.

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Just like it was in their first friendly on Monday against Jinja North United FC, The Hippos won the tie 1-0 thanks to a second half strike from Kataka FC energetic forward Emmanuel Mukisa.

Head Coach Jackson Mayanja made changes in his starting line up from the previous one with Faizal Wabyoona, Saidi Mayanja, Ibrahim Kasinde, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Umar Lutalo, Ivan Asaba all starting.

There were changes in the first half with Alfa Thierry Ssali, Hassan Mubiru and Thomas Kakaire all coming on for Asaba,Kasinde and Mayanja respectively.

The second half saw Hippos make more changes with players like Shafiq Magogo, Mustafa Lalani, Marvin Nyanzi, Faizo Kyazze, amongst others all coming on and it took them only five minutes to break the deadlock through Mukisa.

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Bul FC like made changes and pressed for a leveller but the Hippos backline and custodian Kamya Shamran stood firm.

The team will continue with training on Wednesday with double sessions scheduled before another friendly match against Bul FC this Saturday that will be the last one in Njeru.

The will then leave for Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisaasi after trimming the squad to 35 players on Sunday.

The 2023 AFCON U20 tournament will run from 19th February to 11th March in Egypt.

The Hippos are in group B along Congo Brazaville, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

How the Hippos Started against Bul FC.

Abdu Magada, Pius Ssebulime, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Apollo Kagogwe, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Ibrahim Kasinde, Saidi Mayanja, Issa Bugembe, Faizo Wabyoona, Ivan Asaba.

Uganda Hippos played their first friendly match on Monday against FUFA Big League side Jinja North United at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru as preparations for the Egypt 2023 AFCON U20 continued.

In what seemed to be a cagey and cautious tie, both sides assembled strong players in either half of the game.

The first quarter of the game saw Jinja create some chances but the Hippos defence stood firm with Apollo Kagogwe denying them with a big block into the corner.

A few minutes later, Issa Bugembe went past the opponents defence and laid in a cutback that saw substitute Kakaire effort parried into play by the goalkeeper and so was Mugisha’s.

Before, midfielder Andrew Kawooya was forced off the pitch with a knock paving way for Kakaire.

Defender Ronald Madoi saw yellow towards the end of the first half for a foul on an opponent.

The second stanza saw the Hippos make various changes with a point of assessing players.

Mugisha was later forced off with a knock before Hassan Mubiru took his place.

Following persistent attacks from the Hippos, they finally broke the deadlock with five minutes past the hour mark through Ibrahim Kasinde who capitalised on Emmanuel Mukisa headed brush in the box.

Mukisa, Saidi Mayanja, Hassan Mubiru, Kasinde, all got more chances to double the lead but were unlucky.

The Hippos will have another friendly match with a yet to be identified team on Wednesday at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru as preparations for the U20 AFCON in Egypt take continue to take shape.

Hippos lineup in first half.

Abdu Magada, Pius Ssebulime, Jimmy Ndalambi, Apollo Kagogwe, Ronald Madoi, Frank Katongole, Patrick Kakande, Jemba Abdul Shakur Ramsey, Issa Bugembe, Andrew Kawooya, Rogers Mugisha

Hippos Lineup in second half.

Kamya Shamran, Haruna Lukwago, Umar Lutalo, Rogers Torach, Kyazze Faizo, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Ibrahim Kasinde, Thomas Kakaire, Emmanuel Mukisa, Saidi Mayanja, Rogers Mugisha.