Alpha Ssali, Shafiq Magogo make Uganda U20 final squad for Dire Cup in Ethiopia

Express FC youngster Alpha Thierry Ssali and Kitara FC starlet Shafiq Magogo have been selected to the 23-man Uganda U20 squad set to travel to Ethiopia for the Dire Cup.

This was after head coach Morley Byekwaso announced the team for the preparatory tournament ahead of the All Africa Games in Accra, Ghana.

Ssali has scored three Uganda Premier League for Express in 15 games, to warrant a spot in the team.

On the otherhand,  Magogo has featured two times for Kitara in the league this season, but has showcased promise of his potential.

Meanwhile, the Dire Cup is scheduled to take place between February 24-28, and will travel to Ethiopia on Thursday morning.

The tournament will have four nations including Uganda, hosts Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya.

Per Byekwaso, “the tournament in Ethiopia is more than just a contest; it’s a strategic opportunity to fine-tune strategies and assess team dynamics before the All Africa Games.”

“The Dire Cup is a crucial phase in our journey. Selecting the final 23 was challenging, and narrowing it down to 20 for such a major tournament is even a more intricate task.

"However, I believe in the potential of this team, and we aim to harvest the best for the All Africa Games," Byekwaso summed as quoted by FUFA.

Goalkeepers

Abdul Magada (Gaddafi FC), Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Humphrey Oyirwoth (Bukedea Comprehensive School)

Defenders

Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes), Enock Luyima (Vipers SC), Ronald Madoi (SFK Pierikos), Apollo Kagogwe (Wakiso Giants FC), Cyrus Kibande(SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Innocent Kisolo (URA FC), Ivan Irinimbabazi (SFK Pierikos), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Allan Oyirwoth (Brook House College), Hakim Mutebi (SC Villa), George Isiagi (Brook House College)

Forwards

Abbas Kyeyune (SC Villa), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC), Darious Ojok (Maroons FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafiq Magogo (Kitara FC), Alpha Thierry Ssali (Express FC), Bruno Bunyaga (URA FC)