Hippos only waiting for D-Day 

The Hippos camped early in January and played several games against some of the top local clubs, notably KCCA FC and BUL FC, defeating both of them before they drew with the hosts, Egypt, this week.

“We have gone through all the necessary checks, and we are only waiting for the long-awaited day,” Mayanja told FUFA Media on Friday evening.

“I believe we have prepared well enough for this competition, and all the players and the technical team are looking forward to Monday.

Mayanja said: “The weather is improving because it was cold when we arrived here, and we hope it will continue getting better with the games set to commence next week.”

The Hippos are pooled in Group B with South Sudan, Congo Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic.

During their maiden appearance at the tournament in 2021 in Mauritania, Uganda reached the final before losing to Ghana.

It was enough for them to be at the World Cup, but the tournament was abandoned due to the then-surging coronavirus pandemic.

The 2023 tourney provides the Hippos with yet another opportunity to qualify for the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia in May, but they will have to reach the semifinals at least.

“I know for a fact that every Ugandan will be cheering us on wherever they are around the World, and we want to have a good start on Monday,” the former Uganda Cranes midfielder noted.

“This is a huge platform for these young boys, and we hope they will use it well. Also, as a country, we should be able to qualify for the World Cup.”

Uganda will play its first game against the Central African Republic in Ismailia on Monday, February 20.

Uganda Hippos' 25-man squad

Goalkeepers: Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC), Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Delton Oyo (SC Villa)

Defenders: Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Justine Opiro (URA FC), Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC), Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC), Apollo Kakogwe (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), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Hakim Mutebi (St. Mary’s Kitende), Isma Mugulusi (Makedonikos FC, Greece), Ivan Irinimbabazi (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)

Forwards: Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Shafiq Magogo (UPDF FC), John Paul Ddembe (KCCA FC U20), Alpha Ssali (Unattached), Emmanuel Mukisa (Kataka FC)