Hippos Stop Hosts Mauritania to Storm Afcon U-20 Quarter finals
Uganda Hippos have qualified for the quarter fin al stage at the on-going U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Mauritania.
Handled by coach Morley Byekwaso, the Hippos fought from a goal down to defeat hosts Mauritania 2-1 in a Group A match played at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott on Saturday night.
The Hippos took command of the first half, but failed to convert their scoring chances. Mauritania took a 37th minute lead when Silly Sanhare converted a penalty. defender Azis Kayondo had brought down Oumar Mbareck in the box.
But Uganda Hippos didnot give up as Isma Muguluusi, Ivan Asaba and Samuel Senyonjo kept the Mauritanian defenders busy.
However despite going into half time break with a goal down, the Uganda Hippos returned charged and found the equaliser after 59 minutes Steven Serwadda.
The hosts tried to fight back to regain their lead, but found a battle hardened Hippos side that defended well. After 89 minutes Uganda Hippos made no mistake from the spot when Aziz Kayondo converted to make it 2-1.
Uganda’s win puts them second in group A to qualify for quarter finals with Six points after beating Mozambique in their opener 2-0 and falling 1-0 to table leaders Cameroon who kept their unbeaten run with a 4-1 win against Mozambique on Saturday.
Uganda Hippos will face the team that tops Group B at the quarter finals stage on February 26th. Group B that is yet to complete their group matches includes Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Namibia and the Central African Republic.
The Afcon U-20 Championship which is featuring 12 teams will climax on March 6th with the final.
Uganda Qualifies for the Quarterfinals for the first time ever at a Youth Football Continental Championship.
