AFCON U20: Uganda Hippos Shoot Out Burkina Faso To Reach Semifinals

Thursday, February 25
*Cameroon 1(2)-(4)1 Ghana
*Burkina Faso 0(3)-(5)0 Uganda

Friday, February 26
*Morocco Vs Tunisia
*Central Africa Vs Gambia


Uganda Hippos stunned Burkina Faso to reach the semifinals of the 2020 AFCON U20 Championship in Mauritania.

The Hippos, on their debut appearance on the continent, needed penalty shootouts to overcome the West African side.

Jack Komakech kept out Yacoub Djiga’s first penalty to set the tone before Kenneth Ssemakula scored a decisive kick to garner wild celebrations.

Derrick Kakooza, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere all scored their penalties.

Uganda were resilient and remained in character against a physically stronger side before later holding on in extra time to send the game into penalties.

The Hippos survived relentless attacks down the stretch, with Bamba Karamoko forcing Komakech into a low save at his near post as the game went into a grandstand finish.

Uganda, under Morley Byekwaso, will face winner between Morocco and Tunisia for a place in the final.

Ghana beat Cameroon in shootouts to storm the semifinal in the first quarter final game of the day.

Richard Basangwa. CAF photo

Uganda Hippos Soldier On

The champions of CECAFA U20 Championship have continued to defy odds after another incredible performance highlighted by resilience.

Uganda managed to get out of a tricky group at the expense of hosts Mauritania, coming from a goal down in another splendid show.

Against Burkina Faso, the Hippos were against a side that were making their fourth appearance in the competition including a fourth place finish in 2003.

The Young Stallions started the better side and dominated the entire first half that had few chances to report home.

The Hippos looked clueless and out if ideas every time they moved the ball upfront but were outstanding at the back.

The side’s best chance in the first 45 saw them fail to capitalise on Burkina’s recklessness at the back when after picking possession in an opponent’s half, but Steven Sserwadda failed to tee up Richard Basangwa.

Basangwa later had an attempt on goal but his effort lacked power, off some good work down the left hand side from Aziz Kayondo.

The Hippos rarely threatened thereafter before the keeper punched out Mugulusi freekick for Sserwadda volley over a resultant loose ball.

Mugulusi skied an effort from outside the box after he was set by Ivan Asaba and later in the extra time, substitute Bogere could have finished it late when he raced clear on Sserwadda’s through ball only to send his shot into the legs of the keeper.

Action between Uganda (yellow) and Burkina Faso. CAF

Stallions Will Rue Missed Chances

Burkina Faso will regret the missed opportunities as they get packing back home.

They were destined for a long run in this tournament after topping Group A .

Courtesy of their well built bodies and physique, Burkina beat Uganda with pace and power but their dominance failed to reflect on the score card.

Jofrey Bazie proved handful and came close thrice in the first half – He was freed by Ibrahim Bance only to shoot wide, he later went for power when he was in the right place after Basangwa had blocked an earlier cross only for his effort to fly over the bar.

His best chance rattled the crossbar from a freekick after a needless foul by Sserwadda.

Karamoko was denied by Komakech in extra time to necessitate shootouts.

Komakech kept out Yacoub Digne but Eric Chardey, Diane and Karamoko all converted theirs, but damage already been caused.

The Uganda Hippos. FUFA

Players Used:

Burkina Faso – Moussa Traore, Eric Chardey, Yashir Moustapha, Yocouba Djiga, Roland Sanou, Kouame Jean, Ibrahim Bance, Yves Clovis, Jofrey Bazie, Karamoko Bamba, Moubrack Compaore

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


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