Young talent John Paul Dembe has earned his first call-up to the Uganda Cranes following an impressive run at the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania, where he scored six goals and helped Uganda finish third.
A KCCA Academy product now playing for Hacken in Sweden, Dembe follows a path blazed by former U20 stars who have since become Cranes mainstays.
Including defenders Gavin Kizito, Kenneth Ssemakula, Aziz Kayondo, and midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga, all part of the 2021 U20 AFCON squad that reached the final.
The Cranes’ commitment to nurturing young talent has also promoted rising stars such as Travis Mutyaba, who represented Uganda at the 2023 U20 AFCON.
These young players will be key as the Cranes, currently topping Group K with 10 points, aim to qualify for their first AFCON since 2019.
Facing South Africa on November 15 at home and then Congo Brazzaville on November 19, Uganda needs at least one point across these two matches to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
