Uganda Hippos Vs Mauritania: Preview, Probable Lineups And Permutations

Saturday, February 20
*Mauritania Vs Uganda – 10pm
*Cameroon Vs Mozambique

Group A table Standings

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPts
1 Cameroon (Q)220020+26
2 Uganda210121+13
3 Mauritania210121+13
4 Mozambique200204−40
*Slide right (in case you can’t see table in full)

Preview:

Its a ‘do or die’ match as Uganda Hippos face hosts Mauritania in the penultimate games of Group A at the ongoing 2021 AFCON U20 Championship.

The Hippos will be in search for maximum points to seal an automatic place in the knockout.

Playing at this stage for the first time, the CECAFA U20 Championship beat Mozambique 2-0 before falling to Cameroon 1-0 to remain on three points.

The opponents, Mauritania, have as well recorded exact results against the same opponents and both teams are tied level on points and goal difference.

“Its a difficult game facing the hosts, they have been playing well in the tournament but we have the strength to bounce back. This game will be like a final and both teams will want to play their hearts out,” Uganda Hippos coach Morley Byekwaso stated.

“We know Mauritania and their strengths. We know they have a very good number 10 (Oumar Mbareck) who is very good on the ball and once we keep him out of the game, we shall reduce the threat.

“Although this is our first time qualifying we have a very experienced team as even two of them were in the CHAN team and also for myself as a player, I have been in these situations before so I have the experience to guide the players on what to expect.”

Byekwaso cited the threat of Mauritania dangerman Mbareck but he must be worried about his side’s inability to put the ball at the back of the net despite creating big.

Against Cameroon, Uganda were the better on the day but couldn’t get the ball at the back of the net, and will be hoping for better fortunes this time round.

“Uganda is a good team from the two matches I have watched them play. They are tough opponents and it will be very difficult against them. I know they are well motivated to win, but we have also prepared well for the match,” said Mauritania coach Mauril Njoya, as quoted by CAF.

“I am hoping we can play as well as we did against Mozambique and if we do that, I know we will have good results.

“My hope is that we go as far as possible in this tournament and be part of the growth of Mauritanian football.”

Richard Basangwa in action against Cameroon. CAF photo

Probable Lineups:

Uganda XI – Jack Komakech, Garvin Kizito Mugweri (C), Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Kenneth Ssemakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Isma Mugulusi, Najib Yiga, Derrick Kakooza, Ivan Bogere, Richard Basangwa

Mauritania XI – Mohamed El Mokhtari, Mohamed Sarr, Mohamed Sidi Ahmed, Abderrahmane Chighaly, Oumar Mbareck, Mohamed Diop, Adama Diop, Silly Sanghare, Demba Yatera, Abou Diallo, Amar Haidara

Permutations: Uganda Or Mauritania?

Cameroon have already progressed to the knockout and will end Group A as the top team whatever the results tonight. They face Mozambique at 10pm (EAT) who already exited the tournament.

Its Uganda or Mauritania who will be battling for the remaining automatic slot in Group A.

This year’s tournament, first to be played after it was expanded to 12 teams from 8 has three groups of four teams each.

The top two teams of each group advance to the quarter finals along with the two best 3rd placed teams.

*Uganda and Mauritania are level on points (3), goal difference (1), goals scored (2) and goals conceded (1).

*To finish second, Uganda will need to beat Mauritania.

The Tiebreakers:

  • Teams are ranked according to points, and if tied on points, the following tiebreaking criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the rankings (Regulations Article 71).
  • Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams; Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
  • Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams; If more than two teams are tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, a subset of teams are still tied, all head-to-head criteria above are reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams;
  • Goal difference in all group matches;
    Goals scored in all group matches;
  • Drawing of lots.

*Meaning if Uganda and Mauritania game ends in a draw, lots may be drawn to determine which team finishes second!

However, like said earlier, there are two places up for grabs for the two teams that finish third best.

As it stands, one of those two slots will be taken by a team in Group A.

In Group B and C, the third team – Central Africa Rep and Gambia respectively – have one point each going into their last third games.

How To Watch:
*Games are broadcast live on KBC and ZBC (Azam TV).
*You can listen to radio commentary on FUFA FM
*Follow live text updates on The-SportsNation social media pages
*A live link (YouTube) will be shared on our socials before kickoff.
*Match Report and reactions will be uploaded to our website after the final whistle.


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