Uganda Cubs midfielder Brian Jjara has returned to his club, KCCA, after being ruled ineligible for the ongoing U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The 17-year-old was initially named in the Cubs’ 22-man squad for the tournament but did not feature in Uganda’s opening 5-0 defeat to hosts Morocco.
His participation was cut short after an MRI test, a FIFA-mandated age verification method, determined he could not continue in the competition.
Jjara had been part of the Cubs’ pre-tournament preparations, playing in two friendlies against Cameroon and Burkina Faso, both of which ended in narrow defeats.
However, the failed MRI test forced him to return home, landing in Uganda on Wednesday morning before joining KCCA’s training session later in the day.
Before his call-up to the U17 national team, Jjara had been instrumental for KCCA, last featuring in their commanding 5-0 victory over Mbale Heroes on March 8.
His absence saw him miss the Kasasiro Boys’ next two Uganda Premier League fixtures against UPDF and Bright Stars.
Now back in the fold, Jjara is expected to be available for selection when KCCA faces Kitara in a crucial away fixture in Hoima this Saturday.
His return provides a boost to the team as they aim to climb the league standings in the closing stages of the season.
