Uganda and Congo played out to a thrilling two-all draw as the two faced off in the second Group B game at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Thursday.
The game played at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday was full of thrilling moments with either side taking the lead at different intervals.
Coach Jackson Mayanja made one change from the team that had started against the Central African Republic with Saidi Mayanja getting ahead of Travis Mutyaba.
Congo drew first blood, scoring as early as the seventh minute through Josna Loulendo
He dashed to the near post to head home Prince Aldy Soussou Ilendo’s corner kick delivery.
Uganda found its way back into the game with Titus Ssematimba restoring parity.
The midfielder capitalised on a goalkeeping howler by Christophe Wamba to drill home after the shot-stopper fumbled with Rogers Mugisha’s initial free kick.
The Hippos went into the lead just after the half-hour mark through Saidi Mayanja whose drive from close range was too strong for the goalkeeper.
Captain Isma Mugulusi did the donkey work on the right wing to perfectly set up fast-approaching Mayanja.
Congo were reduced to ten men following the second booking of captain Claude Ngongara at the stroke of halftime.
The second half saw both teams moving forward as they chased the next goal of the match under the bright floodlights.
Striker Paul Dembe missed two chances to put the match to bed, failing to capitalize on both occasions.
The Red Devils levelled matters in the 72nd minute from another set piece, this time Prince Mombouli heading into the back of the net.
Substitute Travis Mutyaba had the chance to win it for Uganda at the very end but couldn’t find the much-desired drive to beat off Congolese defenders.
The results mean both Uganda and Congo are level on four points each while Sudan have three and Central African Republic are yet to pick up a point.
The Hippos will return to action on Sunday in the final Group game against neighbours South Sudan.
Source: FUFA