Uganda’s National Under-20 team showcased their dominance by defeating Wembley FC 7-1 in their first friendly match, held at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru. This match was part of their preparation for the upcoming CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for the Total Energies 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Coach Matia Lule, who was appointed earlier this month, used the friendly game to assess his players’ performance after only four days of training. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts and viewed the match as an important opportunity to gauge the players’ progress.

“It was a good game; it showed us what everyone can give us. The players have tried, considering the days we have been here. We have been able to see what each of the members on the team can give us, and that is where we shall start from,” Lule said after the match.

Lule, returning for a second stint as coach of the U-20 team, faces the challenge of maintaining the Hippos’ high standards, particularly in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers. Uganda has won the CECAFA U-20 title twice recently, defeating Tanzania in 2020 and South Sudan in 2023, establishing their dominance in the region.

The coach emphasized that their priority is to qualify for AFCON, which requires Uganda to reach the final of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, as the top two teams will automatically secure a spot in the tournament. Uganda is grouped with South Sudan, Burundi, and Ethiopia, and their campaign will kick off against Ethiopia.

Although Uganda has excelled in the zonal qualifiers, they have yet to claim continental glory. The Hippos reached the AFCON U-20 final twice in the past three years, but on both occasions, they were defeated by Ghana—once in Mauritania in 2021, and again in Accra last year. Overcoming this hurdle will be key to rewriting the team’s history on the continental stage.

Lule can take comfort in the continuity within his squad, with several players from the 2023 team still eligible to compete. Standout players include goalkeeper Abdu Magada, midfielder Travis Mutyaba, and forwards Abas Kyeyune and Allan Oyirwoth, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s quest for AFCON qualification.