UGANDA HIPPOS FINISH SECOND AT THE UNDER20 AFCON, 2021 IN MAURITANIA

A history repeat is what the Uganda Under20 Football Team, the Uganda Hippos showcased in Mauritania at the Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Mauritania with a runners up finish. The Uganda Hippos lost 0-2 to Ghana, a similar fate the Uganda Senior Team, the Cranes registered in 1978 at the African Cup of Nations in Accra where Uganda similarly lost 0-2 at the finals.

Nevertheless, in this Under 20 edition, the Hippos put up a strong front from the start of the tournament, debuting in the tournament and topping Group A; Uganda won 2-0 against Mozambique, lost 0-1 to Cameroon and won 2-1 against Mauritania to progress to the quarter finals where Uganda won 0(5)-0(3) in penalties against Burkina Faso.

In the semi-finals, the Hippos displayed class with a smooth 4-1 victory over Tunisia to qualify for the finals.

Uganda Hippos striker Derrick Kakooza was named the Top Scorer of the tournament with 5 goals while Aziz Kayondo named to the Tournament best XI and Morley Byekwaso the best coach of the tournament.

The Team goes down in history as the second football National team after the 1978 team to reach the highest level of football in Uganda, the future is indeed bright for Uganda's football.

Uganda Hippos Team at the finals comprised of: Jack Komakech, Musa Ramathan, Richard Basangwa, Kenneth Semakula, Derrick Kakooza, and captain Gavin Kizito Mugweri. Front Row: Aziizi Kayondo, Steven Sserwadda, Ivan Asaba, Isma Mugulusi and Bobosi Byaruhanga.

Monday, March 8, 2021