Uganda Cubs Name Final Squad for CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Ethiopia

The Uganda U17 national team, the Cubs, have confirmed their final 23-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Zonal Qualifiers set to take place in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, from November 15 to December 2, 2025.

Head coach Laryea Kingston expressed confidence in his young charges as they look to defend their regional crown and secure a second consecutive qualification to the continental showpiece.

After weeks of intensive preparations at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru and later in Kampala, the Cubs departed Entebbe International Airport early Tuesday morning for Dire Dawa, fully charged and ready for the challenge ahead.

Uganda, who lifted the CECAFA U17 title on home soil last year, have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Djibouti.

The team will kick off their campaign against Burundi on Saturday, November 15, before facing Sudan, Tanzania, and Djibouti in their remaining group fixtures.

The final squad boasts a balanced mix of school and academy talents, showcasing Uganda’s growing youth football structures. Key players include goalkeeper Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), defender Trevor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), and striker Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), all expected to play pivotal roles in the title defence.

With a solid unit drawn from some of the country’s top youth setups, the Cubs will be hoping to maintain Uganda’s dominance in the region and punch their ticket to the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers:
Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC SA), Richard Mukisa (NEC Junior Team)

Defenders:
Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA FC SA), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College School), Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School)

Midfielders:
Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program)

Forwards:
Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC)