The reigning champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 CECAFA Zone, Uganda Hippos, are brimming with confidence as they prepare to kick off their title defense in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Head coach Mathias Lule has vowed that his team is ready to retain the trophy they won in 2022, as the Zonal CECAFA qualifiers get underway from October 6 to 20.
Speaking shortly after naming his final squad on Friday, Lule expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparations. “We have trained well and also had some build-up matches which have put the players in good shape. We are ready and prepared to try and retain the trophy that we won in 2022 in Khartoum,” Lule said.
The Hippos are drawn in Group B, alongside Ethiopia, Burundi, and South Sudan. Their opening match will see them face Ethiopia on October 7 at the Azam Complex. With a strong squad, Lule is optimistic about Uganda’s chances, emphasizing that their preparations have been comprehensive and focused on retaining the title.
Team captain Brian Majub Toto echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing the squad’s readiness and high motivation heading into the tournament. “We know it will not be easy, but we are very determined to work hard and retain the trophy,” Majub said. The team has been working tirelessly to fine-tune their tactics and strengthen their chemistry, and they are fully aware of the tough competition ahead.
Uganda’s squad is composed primarily of locally based players, with the exception of John Paul Ddembe, who plays for BK Hacken in Sweden, and Louis Amagu Anguti from Coastal Union FC in Tanzania. These two foreign-based players add valuable experience to the squad, while the rest of the team is drawn from Uganda’s domestic league.
The Hippos, who have enjoyed success in recent regional competitions, are not taking any chances. They are focused on ensuring that their title defense begins on the right foot against Ethiopia. The stakes are high, as the top two teams from each group will advance to represent the CECAFA Zone at the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament.
While Uganda is widely regarded as one of the favorites in the tournament, they face formidable competition from other teams in the group and beyond. The qualifiers feature nine teams, including Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, all battling for a spot at the prestigious continental event.
With their rich history in youth football and a strong commitment to development, Uganda’s Hippos are determined to carry on their legacy and continue their dominance in the CECAFA region. The road to AFCON U-20 glory begins on Saturday, and the Hippos will be hoping to kick-start their campaign with a victory over Ethiopia.
As the tournament progresses, Uganda will look to prove why they are the defending champions and solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in East African football. With their focus set on retaining the title, the Hippos are set to deliver an exciting and determined performance in Dar es Salaam.
