Uganda’s hippos into CECAFA semis, eyes U-20 Africa Cup of Nations spot

TODAY

Uganda vs South Sudan 4pm

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | THE INDEPENDENT | Matia Lule, head coach of Uganda’s Under-20 national football team, believes his players are beginning to embrace the team’s philosophy after securing their second win in the ongoing Total Energies U-20 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers.

Lule’s team triumphed 4-1 over Burundi in their second Group B match held on Wednesday at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

“It was in our tactics, Lule explained. “because we planned to kill the game in the first five to ten minutes. And we were lucky it came out as we planned. If you see the way, we were fighting for the goal in the first ten to fifteen minutes, lucky enough we won the game,”

The Hippos, who are the reigning champions, took the lead just two minutes into the game when Allan Oyirwoth’s header was deflected into the net by Burundi defender Samir Selemani Kaskile, resulting in an own goal.

Burundi tried to regain their composure and hold possession, but Uganda’s defence remained solid. John Paul Dembe scored twice before halftime, giving the Hippos a comfortable 3-0 advantage.

After the break, Burundi pushed hard to take control of the game. A powerful strike by Gnabry Brunel Habonimana in the 50th minute was saved by Uganda’s goalkeeper Abdu Magada.

However, Burundi conceded another own goal, this time by Ramazani Hakizimana in the 58th minute. Despite the setback, Burundi refused to give up, and Christophe Ndayikengurukiye managed to pull one back for them with a well-timed finish.

The result ensured Uganda’s place in the semi-finals of the tournament, making them the first team to advance to this stage. They are now just one win away from qualifying for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. According to the tournament rules, only the finalists will secure spots to represent the CECAFA region at next year’s AFCON U-20 competition.

Coach Matia Lule, who previously expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance despite their 3-0 win over Ethiopia in the opening game, now feels the team is progressing towards the style he wants.

“At least we have been better than last game because today the shape we have been getting is well. Then when we were going up we have been building what we planned,” Lule said.

With a semi-final spot already secured, Uganda will now face South Sudan in their final group match

Group A 

Group B 

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