Two more hurdles for Hippos after sweeping aside S. Sudan
What you need to know:
- The young Indomitable Lions of Cameroon finished second at 2017 edition won by Zambia at home soil.
- The eventual winner earns a spot to the third and final qualification round in July where any of Mali and Tanzania or DR Congo awaits.
Africa U20 Cup of Nations
S. Sudan 0-3 Uganda (Agg: 1-8)
Second round
May 11: Uganda vs. Cameroon
May 18: Cameroon vs. Uganda
KAMPALA. Uganda’s U-20 National Team - The Hippos have qualified to the second round of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations where they will play Cameroon. On Saturday, Uganda beat South Sudan 3-0 in Juba to earn qualification to the second round of the 2019 finals that will be played in Niger in February.
Uganda won the first leg in Kampala 5-1, and Saturday’s victory was just icing on the cake as the Hippos progressed 8-1 on aggregate.
All goals came in the second half courtesy of a Steven Mukwala brace and a sensational strike from Allan Okello to complete the routine victory. Coach Matia Lule made two changes from his squad that played in Kampala introducing Kitende’s Robert Kitabalwa as left back for suspended Mustafa Kizza. Ivan Eyamu was the other inclusion in midfield for Joshua Okiror.
Brilliant display
According to Lule, the Hippos staged a brilliant display and looked more classic throughout the game.
The teams played to a good crowd that kept cheering at Juba Stadium with Ugandan flags seen flying in the stands. “The performance was exquisite. But South Sudan take some credit for having tried to make life hard in the first half,” Lule said.
Proper planning
Ahead of the South Sudan’s return leg, the Hippos were in camp for one day and trained as a full squad in one session.
But against Cameroon, Lule wants more seriousness and says Fufa has agreed to organise several friendly games for the team.
Uganda will play Cameroon on May 11 in Yaoundé before hosting the West Africans in Kampala on May 18.
The young Indomitable Lions of Cameroon finished second at 2017 edition won by Zambia at home soil.
The eventual winner earns a spot to the third and final qualification round in July where any of Mali and Tanzania or DR Congo awaits.
The seven winners of the third round will qualify for the final tournament.
