This is my time to shine - Mutebi

However, two years later, the midfielder is part of the Uganda Hippos 25-man squad that will play at the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and expects to shine.

"I have grown up part of this group, especially during the days of U17, but unfortunately, we missed AFCON in Morocco due to COVID-19," Mutebi told FUFA Media.

"But this is yet another big opportunity to showcase my talent, showing that the coaches have appreciated my efforts."

"I believe in my fellow players that we are going to perform well at the tournament, and we should be able to qualify for the World Cup," he added.

Mutebi came on as an 80th-minute substitute replacing Travis Mutyaba in a one-all draw with Egypt in a friendly played at the Military Academy Stadium in Cairo.

The Hippos' second friendly against Zambia U20, slated to take place on Wednesday, has been rescheduled for Thursday in Ismailia.

Jackson Mayanja's charges are pooled in Group B alongside South Sudan, Congo Brazzaville, and the Central African Republic.

The U20 AFCON kicks off on February 19th and runs through to March 11th in Egypt, and the Hippos will be in action on February 20th against the Central African Republic for their first game.

Semifinalists are guaranteed a slot at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia in May, and the 2021 losing finalists, Uganda, will be hoping to attain one.