African Games 2023: Uganda Hippos Edge Senegal to Secure Semi-final slot

Uganda U20 Men’s National Football Team continued to send shockwaves to the rest of the teams at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana after securing yet another win.

The Uganda Hippos beat Senegal on Monday at Accra Sports Stadium to make it two wins in two games.

In the game played at Accra Sports Stadium, Uganda earned a hard fought 1-0 win over Ssnegal, a result that meant they advanced to the semifinals with a game to spare.

Uganda had earlier defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the opening game thanks to goals from Arafat Kizza Usama and Ivan Irinimbabazi.

Coach Morely Byekwaso made one change from the team that had 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 possesion but Uganda’s backline was able to contend with their attempts.

The first goal scoring opportunity of the game fell to left back Ibrahim in the 9th minute but fired the ball wide.

The breakthrough moment for Uganda came in the 26th minute when Usama was pushed to the ground by defender Pape Mamadou Diouf and the Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama did not hesitate to point to the spot.

Oyirwoth took the resultant penalty but intially missed from the first attempt before converting from the rebound.

A minute to the break, Uganda was forced into making a change with right back Haruna Lukwago going off after feeling unwell. He was replaced by Apollo Kagogwe.

Deep into the added minutes of the first half, goalkeeper Kamya pulled off a wonderful save to deny Senegal’s Famara Camara.

In the second half, Senegal stepped up efforts in search of an equalizer but Uganda was resolute enough.

Coach Byekwaso made one more change in the second half with Hakim Mutebi replacing Patrick Jonah Kakande.

Uganda sails to the semifinals. Nigeria beat South Sudan 1-0 in the other Group B match played at the same venue.

Uganda will finish Group action against South Sudan at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday this week.

Uganda Hippos XI

Shamulan Kamya (G.K), Rogers Torach Ochaki (Captain), Ronald Madoi, Abasi Kyeyune, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Bruno Bunyaga, Arafat Usama Kizza, Patrick Kakande, Juma Ibrahim, Harunah Lukwago, Allan Oyirwoth.

Substitutes

Humphrey Oyirwoth, Apollo Kagogwe, Cyrus Kibande, Enock Luyima, Hakim Mutebi, Alpha Thiery Ssali, Shafiq Magogo, Innocent Kisolo,

Senegal XI

Prince Hally Gueye (G.K), Ba Daouda, Abdou Aziz Ndiaye, Fallou Diouf Serigne (Captain), Pape Mamadou Diouf, Famara Camara, Mamadou Lamine Sadio, Pierre Antoine Diatta Dorival, Youssoupha Sayang, Mame Alassane Niang, Ousseynou Diahate

Substitutes

Yaya Dieme, Mamadou Sarr, Cheich Tidiane Thiam, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Mbengue, Moustapha Gueye, Mourtalla Fall, Ibrahima Diallo, Papa Magueye Gaye.