Uganda Hippos Retain CECAFA Title enroute AFCON Qualification

Uganda U20 Men’s Football National Team is the Champion of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Hippos successfully defended the regional title after overcoming South Sudan in the final on Friday at Al Hilal Stadium.

Uganda had to come from a goal down to edge neighbours South Sudan in a closely contested affair.

Note should be taken that the two sides had already secured slots to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations slated for next year in Egypt but were playing the final for honours.

South Sudan took the lead 15 minutes into the game through Felix Abishai who finished from close range.

Uganda fought back and levelled matters seven minutes later through Issa Bugembe whose ferocious strike from outside of the box found the back of the net.

The winning goal came in the second half through Wakiso Giants midfielder, Titus Ssematimba.

Victory means Uganda successfully defends the CECAFA crown they won in 2020 in Tanzania.

Uganda Hippos played at U20 AFCON for the first time last year and defied odds to reach the final before losing 2-0 to eventual winners Ghana.

Abdu Magada and Titus Ssematimba both from Uganda were named best goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player, respectively.