Cecafa U-20: Byekwaso promises a polished Hippos side against Djibouti

GULU- Cecafa U-20 hosts Uganda failed to live to the billing against Eritrea, perceived by many as the whipping boys of the group. In a tense match that marked the opening ceremony at Pecce War Memorial Stadium in Gulu that was watched by hundreds on Saturday, Uganda Under-20 (Hippos) could only manage a 1-1 draw with Eritrea, the numerous scoring opportunities notwithstanding.

As the Hippos prepare to face Djibouti, also reeling from the 4-0 mauling by Sudan, this afternoon at the same venue, team coach Morley Byekwaso has vowed to field a recharged and hungrier attacking outfit that won’t let many created chances go begging again.

“We had nine clear chances to score but we failed. I think they (players) are still shy but I’m going to drill them in the one-day break so that they returned a shaper team,” Byekwaso told Daily Monitor at the weekend.

Proline striker Ivan Bogere slotted home the rebound on 37 minutes to give Uganda the lead that only lasted until the 57 minute when Yosief Tesfai equalized after the Hippos defence failed to clear the lines.

Byekwaso insisted; “We played well but the scoring weakness hindered us. We need to win against Djibouti to progress.”
Among the key changes expected in today’s clash with Djibouti, is Bright Anukani (back from Chan duties with the Uganda Cranes) replacing Kenneth Ssemakula in the midfield plus Steven Sserwadda and Ivan Asaba displacing Najib Iga and Joseph Kafumbe in attack.

The backline of Justine Opiro, Aziz Kayondo, Derrick Kiggundu and Gavin Kizito will most likely remain intact but KCCA striker Sadat Anaku, the Hippos chief protagonist, is expected to double his efforts if they are to attain a convincing victory that Byekwaso so much craves for.

Leaders Sudan will entertain Eritrea in the first game in Group A at Pecce Stadium.

CECAFA U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP A
Uganda Hippos 1-1 Eritrea
Sudan 4-0 Djibouti
Today’s Matches in group A:
Eritrea vs Sudan, 1:30pm
Pece War Memorial Stadium
Uganda vs Djibouti, 4pm
Pece War Memorial Stadium

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