The Uganda U20 men’s national football team the Hippos have qualified for semi-finals after defeating Senegal 1:0 in the second game at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.
The Hippos massacred Senegal on Monday March 11, 2024, at Accra Sports Stadium to secure two wins in the ongoing championship with a game to spare.
Uganda defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the opening game, with goals from Arafat Kizza Usama and Ivan Irinimbabazi.
Coach Morely Byekwaso made one change to the team that started against Nigeria, with Shamulan Kamya replacing Abdu Magada in goal. Magada sustained a knee injury from the previous game and failed to recover in time.
Senegal had the better start and enjoyed majority of the possession but Uganda’s backline was able to contend with their attempts.
Uganda’s breakthrough moment came in the 26th minute, when defender Pape Mamadou Diouf pushed Usama to the ground, and Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Oyirwoth took the resulting penalty but missed his first attempt before converting on the rebound.
Goalkeeper Kamya made a fantastic save to deny Senegal’s Famara Camara in the extra minutes of the first half.
Senegal increased its efforts in the second half to find an equalizer, but Uganda stood firm enough to deny their opponents.
Coach Byekwaso made one more change in the second half with Hakim Mutebi replacing Patrick Jonah Kakande.
In another game Nigeria beat South Sudan 1:0 in another group B match which was played at the same stadium.
Uganda will face South Sudan at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday this week.
Additionally the Women’s team the Queen Cranes will be in action today against Ethiopia in the second group match at the Cape Coast Stadium.
