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The Uganda U20 men’s national football team the Hippos have qualified for semi-finals after defeating Senegal 1:0 in the second game at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana on Monday March 11, 2024, at Accra Sports Stadium.

On Monday, 11th, March 2024, at Accra Sports Stadium, the Uganda U20 men’s national football team, the Hippos, defeated Senegal 1:0 in the second game of the current African Games in Accra, Ghana, to advance to the semi-finals.

Uganda defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the opening game, with goals from Arafat Kizza Usama and Ivan Irinimbabazi.

The magical moment for Uganda Hippos came in the 26th minute when Usama Arafat was pushed to the ground by defender Pape Mamadou Diouf and the Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama pointed to the spot.

Oyirwoth stepped up to take the responsibility but his penalty was intially saved back into play by goalkeeper Prince Hally Gueye before sending the rebound into the net.

In the 44th minute, Uganda made a forced substitution when right back Haruna Lukwago went off after feeling unwell and Apollo Kagogwe occupied the vacant position.

Coach Morely Byekwaso made one change to the team that started against Nigeria, with Shamulan Kamya replacing Abdu Magada in goal. Magada sustained a knee injury from the previous game and failed to recover in time.

Senegal had the better start and enjoyed majority of the possession but Uganda’s backline was able to contend with their attempts.

Uganda’s breakthrough moment came in the 26th minute, when defender Pape Mamadou Diouf pushed Usama to the ground, and Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama did not hesitate to point to the spot.

Oyirwoth took the resulting penalty but missed his first attempt before converting on the rebound.

Goalkeeper Kamya made a fantastic save to deny Senegal’s Famara Camara in the extra minutes of the first half.

Senegal increased its efforts in the second half to find an equalizer, but Uganda stood firm enough to deny their opponents.

Coach Byekwaso made one more change in the second half with Hakim Mutebi replacing Patrick Jonah Kakande.

In another game Nigeria beat South Sudan 1:0 in another group B match which was played at the same stadium.

Uganda will face South Sudan at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday this week.

Additionally the Women’s team the Queen Cranes will be in action today against Ethiopia in the second group match at the Cape Coast Stadium.

Team Line ups

Uganda Hippos

Shamulan Kamya (G.K), Rogers Torach Ochaki (Captain), Ronald Madoi, Abasi Kyeyune, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Bruno Bunyaga, Arafat Usama Kizza, Patrick Kakande, Juma Ibrahim, Harunah Lukwago, Allan Oyirwoth

Substitutes: Humphrey Oyirwoth, Apollo Kagogwe, Cyrus Kibande, Enock Luyima, Hakim Mutebi, Alpha Thiery Ssali, Shafiq Magogo, Innocent Kisolo,

Senegal

Prince Hally Gueye (G.K), Ba Daouda, Abdou Aziz Ndiaye, Fallou Diouf Serigne (Captain), Pape Mamadou Diouf, Famara Camara, Mamadou Lamine Sadio, Pierre Antoine Diatta Dorival, Youssoupha Sayang, Mame Alassane Niang, Ousseynou Diahate

Substitutes: Yaya Dieme, Mamadou Sarr, Cheich Tidiane Thiam, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Mbengue, Moustapha Gueye, Mourtalla Fall, Ibrahima Diallo, Papa Magueye Gaye