Uganda’s group fixtures
November 19: South Korea vs Uganda
November 22: Ecuador vs Uganda
November 25: Uganda vs New Caledonia
KAMPALA. Owen Mukisa scored when Uganda needed a World Cup lifeline, Arnold Kayemba arrives with a regional scoring crown, and Henry Muhoozi brings a best-player award.
Now, the three teenagers headline Laryea Kingston’s 21-player squad tasked with building on Uganda’s memorable debut at the Fifa U-17 World Cup.
The Cubs return to Qatar with emerging attacking talent and growing expectations after last year’s team reached the last 16.
Uganda face South Korea, Ecuador and New Caledonia in Group B at the tournament, which runs from November 19 to December 13.
For Kingston, the final selection brings together players who helped secure qualification and others whose recent regional performances strengthened their claims.
Mukisa’s goals carry expectation
Captain Mukisa has already demonstrated an ability to influence important matches, scoring against Ghana in the playoff that secured Uganda’s World Cup return.
His 34th-minute equaliser helped the Cubs recover from an early setback before eventually winning 8-7 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
The Vipers forward also scored and provided an assist in Uganda’s opening 3-0 victory over DR Congo at this year’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
He added two more goals during the recent 6-3 preparation victory over NEC at Kyambogo University, striking in the 17th and 29th minutes.
Those performances give substance to the ambitions of the 15-year-old, who will wear the number 10 shirt in Qatar.
Mukisa’s challenge will be to translate that influence onto the global stage, where Uganda’s opponents will provide a different examination of his movement and finishing.
Kayemba and Muhoozi bring regional pedigree
Kayemba offers another reason to follow this team closely after finishing as leading scorer at October’s Cecafa U-17 Afcon qualifiers.
The Masaka Sunshine player scored four goals, while Amus College midfielder Muhoozi was named the tournament’s best player as Uganda claimed the title. CECAFA FOOTBALL
Both are listed as midfielders in the World Cup squad, giving Kingston options with recent evidence of their ability to influence matches.
Kayemba, 16, takes the number eight shirt, while 15-year-old Muhoozi wears number six.
Their regional recognition adds interest to a midfield department that also includes John Owino, Yusuf Ssenyonga, Arafat Ibanda, Isima Magala and Brian Olwa.
However, regional success has not guaranteed everyone a World Cup place.
David Ssegirinya, named best goalkeeper at the same Cecafa tournament, is absent from the final list. Kingston has instead selected Hamidu Kasumba, Adrian Mukwanga and Ashraf Lukyamuzi.
Ofoyrwth adds another scoring threat
Junior Ofoyrwth also heads to Qatar with a timely contribution from Uganda’s preparations, having scored twice against NEC in the 65th and 71st minutes.
Joseph Dorongin scored in the 50th minute, while Ibanda completed the Cubs’ six-goal return in the 90th. All three join Mukisa in the final selection.
The result offered encouragement about Uganda’s attacking options, although conceding three goals also supplied Kingston with defensive issues to address.
Ofoyrwth, 15, is one of five registered forwards alongside Mukisa, Dorongin, Abdulshakur Babi and Fahad Ismail.
A squad with room to grow
The official birth dates show that 11 of Uganda’s 21 players were born in 2011, with five each born in 2010 and 2009.
Kasumba is the youngest, born on December 22, 2011, just one day after midfielder Olwa, both will remain 14 throughout the tournament.
Ssenyonga also begins the competition aged 14 and turns 15 on November 22, the date of Uganda’s second group match against Ecuador.
Vipers provide six players, the largest contingent from one club, while KCCA and Amus College contribute three apiece.
Every selected player is registered with a Ugandan club, school or development programme, placing the country’s domestic talent production under the international spotlight.
Last year’s Cubs defeated France and Senegal before exiting against Burkina Faso on penalties in the round of 16.
This group now has its own opportunity to give Ugandan supporters another set of names, goals and performances to remember.
Uganda’s full squad
Goalkeepers: Hamidu Kasumba (Vipers SC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC)
Defenders: Saali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College FC), Musa Suuna (Amus College FC), Ukasha Jemba (KCCA FC), Trevor Mubiru (Vipers SC), Mujad Mbalire (Masaka SS)
Midfielders: John Owino (Vipers SC), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College FC), Arnold Kayemba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Arafat Ibanda (NEC FC), Isima Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Programme)
Forwards: Abdulshakur Babi (Buddo SS), Joseph Dorongin (Rays of Grace Academy), Owen Mukisa (Vipers SC), Fahad Ismail (KCCA FC), Junior Ofoyrwth (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Head coach: Laryea Kingston