Uganda Hippos blow up opportunity to advance to AFCON U20 quarterfinals
February 23, 2023
The Uganda Hippos have blown up a chance to advance to the quarterfinals of the ongoing AFCON tournament in Egypt after a 2 all draw against Congo Brazzaville.
The Congolese found the back of the net as early as the 6th minute through Josna Epifani Loulendo.
However the Hippos responded quickly with Wakiso Giants attacker Titus Ssematimba finding the back of the net in the 11th minute.
Uganda Hippos’ Ivan Irinimbabazi was shown a yellow card in rhe 23rd minute.
After relentless attacks from the Hippos, they managed to bag a second goal through Saidi Mayanja in the 33rd minute.
Meanwhile Congo Brazzaville’s Claude Gisaurvel Negongara received a red card towards the end of the first half.
The first half ended with the Hippos in firm control of the game although it was a narrow lead.
Despite Congo having a red card, they managed to equalize in the 72nd minute through Arnauvy Princide Mombouli.
Coach Jackson Mayanja made a couple of changes to try and score another goal.
The substitutions saw Travis Mutyaba and Issa Bugembe come on for Saidi Mayanja and John Paul Dembe in the 78th minute.
Mayanja made another change in the 84th minute with Patrick Jonah Kakande coming on for Roger Mugisha.
There wasn’t much the subs could do to effect the game and the two teams shared the spoils.
This means that both countries are now on four points.
However, Congo Brazzaville is on top due to goal difference.
A win would have guaranteed the Hippos direct qualification to the last eight.
Both teams will now have to wait till the last game to confirm their fate.
The Hippos will play South Sudan as Congo Brazzaville takes on Central African Republic.