Hippos End Group Business with Draw against South Sudan in AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers

Uganda U20 Men’s National Team wrapped up group business at the ongoing TotalEnergies AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal qualifiers in Tanzania with a draw against South Sudan on Friday.

In the game played at the KMC Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam, Uganda led 2-0 at halftime but South Sudan rallied back to force a 2-2 draw.

Uganda had already secured a spot in the semifinals but needed a draw to confirm the first place in Group B.

Coach Matia Lule made four changes from the team that had earlier on defeated Burundi with Charles Batiibwe, Sowedi Lwenda, John Innocent Kisolo and Bashir Mansur all starting.

John Paul Dembe who has enjoyed brilliant performance at the tournament kept his scoring spree running, bagging a brace in the first half.

South Sudan pulled one back before the break with Emmanuel Sokwa tapping home from close range.

They returned recharged after recess, scoring the equalizer towards the end of the game through Valentino.

The result means Uganda qualify to the semifinals as group Leaders on 7 points, one ahead of Burundi who finished second.

Uganda Starting XI
Abdu Magada, Charles Batiibwe, Swabiri Mpasa, Majub Toto, Lwenda Sowedi, John Innocent Kisoro, Figo Rayn Kizito, Bashir Mansur, John Paul Dembe, Allan Oyirwoth, Richard Okello.