On Thursday at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana, the Uganda Hippos defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the first day of the All Africa Games.
The goals for the squad led by Morley Byekwaso were scored by Arafati Usama of the KCCA and Ivan Irinimbabazi, who is based in Greece.
In the 33rd minute, Usama broke the tie with a masterful finish after an assist from Allan Oyirwoth.
But the advantage was short-lived, as Sadiq Muhammad Isiyaka’s perfect header from a corner kick three minutes later tied the score.
Both teams tried in the second half to find a potential winner, which Uganda did in the last ten minutes.
In the 80th minute, Usama set up Irinimbabazi for an incredible long-range, low strike.
Ten minutes prior to Irinimbabazi’s winning goal, Byekwaso was forced to substitute Cyrus Kibande of SC Villa for injured defender Ronald Madoi.
Byekwaso made extra changes in the latter moments of the game, substituting Patrick Jonah Kakande, Usama Arafati, and Abassi Kyeyune for Hakim Mutebi, Alpha Thierry Ssali, and Patrick Innocent Kisolo, respectively.
With three points, the Hippos now lead Group B, along with Senegal after their early kickoff victory over South Sudan. On Monday, March 11th, the Hippos will play Senegal at the same location.
Uganda Hippos starting XI; Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Ronald Madoi (Cyrus Kibande), Rogers Torach (C), Ivan Irinimbabazi, Abasi Kyeyune, Allan Oyirwoth, Bruno Bunyaga, Arafat Kizza Usama(Alpha Thiery Ssali), Jonah Patrick Kakande (Hakim Mutebi)
