Eight players who were part of the Uganda U-20 (Hippos) squad in the Cecafa Zonal Qualifiers will miss the Afcon U-20 finals due in Egypt next month.
Ibrahim Kasinde and Abasi Kyeyune lead the cast of players who are dropped from the initial 50-man squad preparing for the final tournament that gets underway in Egypt on February 19.
It’s reported that Kasinde who was a key member of the team in Sudan is injured although there was no official communiqué in regards to the injury.
Others are URA goalkeeper Denis Ssendyowa, Wakiso Giants’ exciting midfielder Marvin Nyanzi and BUL’s Allan Kiggundu.
Left-back Simon Ssemayange also misses out through injury while Muhammad Nsereko then at SC Villa was never summoned.
Thomas Kakaire is the other player that was part of the qualifiers but dropped from the squad currently camped at Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.
Meanwhile, Andrew Kawooya and Ivan Asaba alias Di Maria have also been left out.
On a lighter note, Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa) and Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants) who were part of the Uganda Cranes CHAN team in Algeria have joined the team.
However, Ibrahim Juma (Spain), Faisal Wabyona, Allan Enyou (Dubai), Ismail Mugulusi (Greece), Oscar Mawa (Italy), Ivan Irinimbabazi (on trials in Scotland) and Christian Mulindwa (Scotland) are yet to join camp.
Current Hippos in camp at The Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi
Goalkeepers: Abdu Magada (Gaddafi FC), Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Venacious Nsumba (Wakiso Giants FC) and Delton Oyo (SC Villa)
Defenders: Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Justine Opiro (URA FC), Samson Kasozi (UPDF FC), Ronald Madoi (Wakiso Giants FC), Apollo Kagogwe (Wakiso Giants FC), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa), Simon Mukisa (UPDF FC), Kiano Kitariko (Kedleston Road, Derby campus, UK), Pius Ssebulime (KCCA FC)
Midfielders: Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Frank Katongole (St. Mary’s, Kitende), Abdu Shakur Ramsey Jemba (International House Football Academy, Manchester), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants FC),Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Faisal Wabyoona (KCCA FC), Hakim Mutebi (St. Mary’s Kitende), Hassan Mutaasa.
Forwards: Rogers Mugisha (UPDF FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Hassan Mubiru (Express FC), Issa Bugembe (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Shafiq Magogo (UPDF FC), John Paul Ddembe (KCCA FC U20), Shaun Ssenkubuge Kato (Tottenham Hotspur FC) and Alpha Ssali (Unattached)
