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Uganda Cubs in Morocco: Meet the 22 Young Stars Chasing U17 AFCON Glory
The stage is set for Uganda Cubs as they embark on their quest for continental supremacy at the AFCON U17 tournament in Morocco, running from March 30th to April 19th, 2025.
With a blend of homegrown talent and one foreign-based gem, the Cubs are banking on their youthful exuberance and tactical discipline to make history.
SQUAD & SHIRT NUMBERS: Uganda
U17 Men's National Team at #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 in Morocco
pic.twitter.com/M8vSSggiYN
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 27, 2025
13 players hail from the 2025 FUFA Juniors League, with captain Richard Okello (BUL FC JT) and midfielder Brian Jjara (KCCA FC) already featuring for their respective senior clubs in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Adding an international touch to the squad is Ethan Oyedele, a promising midfielder from Bradfield College, UK.
Here’s a closer look at the final 22-man squad, their positions, clubs and shirt numbers:
Goalkeepers
1. Adrian Mukwanga – Vipers SC Junior Team
18. Masabo Muhamad – Lugazi FC Junior Team
19. Lukyamuzi Ashiraf – KCCA FC Soccer Academy
Defenders
2. Jovan Nsereko Mukisa – NEC FC Junior Team
3. Hamza Sengooba – Masaka Sunshine FC
5. Joseph Langol – Paorhinar Soccer Academy
6. Elvis Torach – Masaka Sunshine FC
12. Steven Oyirwoth – KCCA FC Soccer Academy
12. Travor Mubiru – Vipers SC Junior Team
21. Abdul Lukenge Ntege – Maroons FC Junior Team
Midfielders
4. Ethan Oyedele – Bradfield College (UK)
7. Derick Ssozi – Fort Portal Tax Operators FC
8. Thomas Ogema – KCCA FC Soccer Academy
10. Isima Mulala Magala – Masaka Sunshine FC
16. John Brian Owino – Express FC Junior Team
17. Marvin Kabiito – Vipers SC Junior Team
20. Ashraf Kyakuwa – Vipers SC Junior Team
22. Brian Jjara – KCCA FC
Forwards
9. James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine FC
11. Richard Okello (Captain) – BUL FC Junior Team
14. Simon Wanyama – Bukedea Comprehensive School
15. Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo – Namilyango College School
Road to Morocco & Group Stage Battles
The Cubs earned their AFCON ticket after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Drawn in Group A, Uganda faces a daunting challenge:
March 30 – vs Morocco (El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia)
April 3 – vs Tanzania
April 6 – vs Zambia
With the tournament also serving as a pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, where 10 African teams will qualify, the Cubs are determined to make their mark on the big stage.
