Byekwaso wants many goals
Byekwaso briefs his players during a water break at Njeru on Wednesday. The Hippos settled for a 0-0 draw with the Chan team. PHOTO BY GEORGE KATONGOLE
KAMPALA- The national U-20 (Uganda Hippos) coach Morley Byekwaso has challenged his forwards to score goals and ensure their penetration into the senior teams.
The Hippos are preparing for the Cecafa U-20 Championship that kicks off this weekend.
During Tuesday’s practice game at Njeru, the Hippos held the Cranes team composing of players in the domestic league in a goalless draw and Byekwaso quickly pointed to positives.
“I am happy for the defenders because they were superb,” Byekwaso said.
In the first half, Allan Kayiwa troubled the defence twice with goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugoloofa standing tall. But the second team that had Mike Mutyaba, Allan Okello and Dan Sserunkuma as well as Joel Madondo relentlessly tested the youngsters but did not slip even when U17 goalkeeper Jack Komakech came on for Denis Otim.
Yet Byekwaso was concerned with chances that were not taken. Frank Ssebuufu, Najib Yiga, Sadat Anaku and Ivan Bogere had three chances to score only to be frustrated by goalkeeper Yasin Mugerwa, once making a triple save.
Primary objective
“To win a tournament, you must score goals and that is what we must try to find. Goals also help players penetrate into senior teams,” Byekwaso, the KCCA assistant coach, said.
Uganda, which kicks off with Eritrea on Saturday, is pooled in Group A. Other sides include Djibouti and Sudan.
But he is happy that they scored seven goals against Busoga United in an earlier practice game.
The championship which was first held in 1971 was last held in 2010 and returns after a 10-year rest. Uganda have won it thrice (1973), 2006 and 2010).
Practice Match Result
Cranes 0-0 Hippos (U-20)
CECAFA U-20 CHALLENGE
Dates: September 21 - October 5
Venues: Pece War Memorial
Stadium, Gulu & Fufa Technical
Centre, Njeru
POOLS
Group A: Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea,
Djibouti
Group B: Kenya, Ethiopia,
Tanzania, Zanzibar
Group C: Burundi, S. Sudan,
Somalia
OPENING MATCHES
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 AT PECE
South Sudan vs. Djibouti, 2pm
Uganda vs. Eritrea, 4pm
U-20 CHALLENGE ROSTER
CAST OF CHAMPIONS
2010: (Eritrea): Uganda
2006: (Burundi): Uganda
2005: (Zanzibar): Ethiopia
2003: (Zanzibar): Zanzibar
1999: (Kenya): Kenya
*In brackets is edition’s host.
