Uganda has named their final squad ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025.

A record 48 teams will tussle it out in the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for November 3-27th in Qatar.

The Uganda Cubs will be the only nation from the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Zone that will feature in the competition.

“We have been preparing for sometime now and I believe the players we have can perform well at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Playing at the World Cup is another good platform for the players to do their best and be able to be identified by scouts from around the world,” says Uganda Cubs coach Brian Ssenyondo.

The coach explained that the three International matches they have played against Venezuela, Panama and Paraguay in Dubai has helped them get better.

“We gained lots of exposure in the friendly matches because the teams are also from a different continent and with a different style of play,” added Ssenyondo.

Uganda Cubs are placed in Group K together with Chile, Canada and France.

“Every match we shall play in Qatar will be like a Cup final and we must treat it with high regard. We need to put in a lot of effort because it will be our first time to appear in a World Cup and we must treat it with a lot of seriousness,” explained the Ugandan coach.

Squad

Adrian Mukwanga, Edrisa Waibi, Gilbert Mazige, Mukisa Jovan Nsereko, Hamza Sengooba, Steven Oyirwoth, Elvis Torach, Derick Ssozi, Abubakali Walusimbi, James Bogere, Isima Magala Mulala, John Asiimwe, Muweagaba Kamurungi, John Brian Owino, James Bogere, Richard Okello, Simon Wanyama, Shakur Magogo, Arafat Nkoola, Enock Bagenda, Waibi Edrisah.

Ethiopian Insurance have bowed out of the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

After picking a 1-1 draw against defending champions Pyramids FC in the first leg second preliminary round, the Egyptian side won the return leg played on Thursday 2-0.

Mostafa Ziko gave Pyramids FC the lead after 11 minutes at the Air Defense Stadium.

The Ethiopian Insurance team continued to defend in numbers as the defending champions attacked in search of more goals.

In injury time of the second-half, Ethiopian Insurance substitute Birikit Kikaleb netted an own goal. Pryamids FC qualified for the group stage on a 2-1 goal aggregate.

Tanzanian sides Young Africans SC and Simba SC are the only teams from CECAFA Zone that have qualified for the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Simba SC and Young Africans SC, all from Tanzania scored an own goal to seal the win.

The draw for the group stage will be conducted on November 3^rd live from the SuperSport studios in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Nairobi United FC have qualified for the group stage of the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

The Kenya Premier League side edged Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel 7-6 on penalties after the home side had won the return leg 2-0 to level the aggregate 2-2.

The home side scored through Rayan Anen and substitute Ben Maazouz to give them another chance in the penalty shoot-out.

Nairobi United goalkeeper Kevin Oduor turned the hero after he saved the hosts’ seventh penalty before converting the decisive kick.

Nairobi United FC will now join two other teams Azam FC and Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania) in the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

The other teams that have qualified include; Zamalek FC, Wydad AC, USM Alger, CR Belouizdad, Djoliba FC, San Pedro, Al Masry, Zesco Utd FC, Maniema Union FC, AS Otoho and Kaizer Chiefs FC.

Uganda Cubs suffered a 2-1 defeat to Panana U-17 team in their second match at the on-going U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge on Sunday.

Simon Wanyama gave Uganda Cubs the lead after 13 minutes at the Al Hamriya Cultural and Sports Club.

But the Panama side earned a penalty later that Gordon Gerson converted after 29 minutes as the match went into the break 1-1.

After recess the Panama team piled more pressure and scored again through Richards Moises after 58 minutes. The Uganda Cubs tried to push forward to find more goals, but failed to convert the numerous scoring opportunities.

“We have learnt some lessons from this match s we prepare ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup next month,” said Uganda’s coach Brian Ssenyondo.

Uganda settled for a 1-1 draw against Venezuela a few days ago. The Cubs will take on Paraguay in the last match on October 28th. The three teams in the mini Challenge are using the event to prepare ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup to take place in Qatar next month.