Thursday, February 25
*Cameroon Vs Ghana, 7pm
*Burkina Faso Vs Uganda, 10pm
Friday, February 26
*Central Africa Vs Gambia
*Morocco Vs Tunisia
The AFCON U20 Championship is nearing its final bend as we kickoff the knockout round.
Uganda will lock horns with Burkina Faso on Thursday at the Stade Cheikha Ould Boidiya in Nouakchott.
To reach this stage, the Hippos finished second in Group A behind Cameroon when they beat hosts Mauritania 2-1 in the penultimate game.
The Hippos had earlier kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Mozambique before falling 1-0 go Cameroon.
The Junior Stallions on the other hand, topped Group A after drawing with Tunisia before wins over Central Africa Republic and Namibia.
Burkina Faso will bank on their experience in this competition and are in this championship for a fourth time, Uganda is making their debut.
The Hippos will be extra motivated after receiving a promise of Sh740m if they lift this year’s U20 Championship.
It seems like a tall order to ask but it will be achieved by winning a game at a time.
The Hippos will rely heavily on Derrick Kakooza and Steven Sserwadda who have each scored a goal each.
What They Said:
Morley Byekwaso (Uganda) – “Burkina Faso is a strong Team but we have gone through all the tests and challenges in our group games. We are facing a new team that is physical but we are like a wounded lion. We have lost and won, there is nothing to lose but to give out what we are naturally capable of doing. It will be an interesting match for both teams. We shall play more attacking football to have the best results from the match.”
Oscar Barro (Burkina Faso) – “It’s going to be a tough mission against Uganda, a team with many qualities. A new tournament starts now. We were happy to finish the group on top but this means nothing now.”
Probable Lineups:
Burkina Faso – Moussa Traore, Eric Chardey, Yashir Moustapha, Yacoubar Djiba, Roland Sanoui Sanou, Yves Clovis, Raquf Dao, Joffrey Bazie, Bamba Karamoka, Muabarack Campare, Doua Beleme
Uganda Hippos – Jack Komakech, Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Ssemakula, Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Asaba, Richard Basangwa, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Samuel Ssenyonjo
How To Watch – The matches are broadcast live on KBC (StarTimes and DSTV) and ZBC 2 (Azam TV).
You can listen to radio commentary on 102.1 FUFA FM.
Follow live text updates on The-SportsNation social media pages.
A live YouTube link will be shared on our socials minutes to kickoff.
