Gaddafi's Magada set for the big stage with Hippos

And unless otherwise, he is destined to start between the posts at the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, February 20, when Uganda takes on the Central African Republic.

“We are in the right mood ahead of this big tournament, and altogether we are ready because we have had good preparations,” Magada told FUFA Media before adding.

“The weather here is a bit cold when you compare it with that at home, but we are acclimatizing, and we do not think we shall be distracted.”

“We do not want to promise too much, but we expect the best from ourselves at this tournament,” he added.

Magada looks to have skipped SC Villa's Delton Oyo in the pecking order, the latter was at the 2021 AFCON when Vipers SC's Jack Komakech was the first fiddle.

Jackson Mayanja's coached team is in Group B alongside South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Congo Brazzaville.

The CECAFA champions' ultimate target is World Cup qualification, and reaching the AFCON semifinals is the minimum requirement.

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)