The Uganda Hippos will tonight lock heads with Tunisia in the semifinal of the 2021 AFCON U20 Championship in Mauritania.
The juniors have had an impressive run in the competition surpassing most Ugandans’ expectations. Tye Hippos eliminated Burkina Faso in a thrilling quarter final contest with a 5-3 win.
The heroics of goalkeeper Jack Komakech can not go unnoticed since it’s the shot stopper that dictated the shootout. The team looks forward to relying on him more tonight as they face an agile North African team.
Kenneth Ssemakula, Derrick Kakooza, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere were as well impressive in the shootout but more effort is needed to settle the tie in normal time.
The Hippos finished were Group A runners up behind Cameroon, Mauritania and Mozambique settled for the slots below. The starlets have had a great first time experience at the U20 AFCON stage.
The other semi final clash is between Ghana and Gambia from whom Uganda look forward to meeting in the final.
According to Hippos Coach Byekwaso; “They play as a team, they pass very well and they have good and perfect combination plays. They attack and defend in numbers. They managed to oust Morocco but we are as good equally.”
“At this level where we are now, whoever can utilize his chances will take the day.”
Byekwaso added: “We need to fight because its now in our DNA. We have to work so hard to see that we don’t give them more room to have the ball so much.”
Likely Hippos Lineup:
Uganda Hippos – Jack Komakech, Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Ssemakula, Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Asaba, Richard Basangwa, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Samuel Ssenyonjo
