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Hippos will go into this edition as the best ranked team from the previous edition after the reigning champions, Ghana, failed to qualify. That earns them a favourite tag, and they could see complacency creep in.
Uganda Hippos made a statement on their debut at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the final in Mauritania 2021.
The team immediately returned after emerging as winners of the CECAFA qualifiers. As a result, they will participate in the 2023 edition that starts February 19th in Egypt.
Hippos will go into this edition as the best ranked team from the previous edition after the reigning champions, Ghana, failed to qualify. That earns them a favourite tag, and they could see complacency creep in.
Caution
Their midfielder Travis Mutyaba carries some experience from the Africa Nations Championships, warns.
Mutyaba was part of the Uganda Cranes team that performed dismally at the recently concluded CHAN in Algeria.
The Cranes' failure was mainly due to complacency and carelessness that saw them lose 3-1 to eventual winners Senegal when they needed only a draw to sail through.
"The main lesson I share with the U-20s about the CHAN is when things go as planned, let's not feel comfortable," Mutyaba told CAF.
"I say this because it happened to us against Cote D'Ivoire. We had two options: we needed either a draw or a win."
"But, unfortunately, things turned out badly on our side. We lost the game and were knocked out of the tournament," the youngster added.
Uganda will fly off to Egypt on Saturday evening to continue its preparations, they're grouped with Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic in pool B.
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)
February 20th – vs Central African Republic
February 23rd – vs Congo
February 26th – vs South Sudan
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