Hippos hit South Sudan for five
Uganda 5-1 South Sudan
StarTimes stadium, Lugogo
Saturday, 31-03-2017
The Uganda Hippos took a giant step towards qualification to the next round of Africa’s U20 championships thanks to a 5-1 first leg win over neighbours South Sudan at the StarTimes stadium in Lugogo.
The Hippos took the lead mid-way the first half when KCCA FC defender Mustapha Kizza converted a spot kick after striker Steven Mukwala was brought down in the penalty area.
The Hippos could have added to their advantage on the half hour mark but Mukwala blazed over from close range after he was teed up by a wonderful Kizza cross.
They would soon pay for that miss when defender Mujuzi Mustapha nodded into his own net following a long ball by South Sudan’s Magol Chol to make it one all.
On 67 minutes, the wasteful Mukwala finally got onto the score sheet when he finished calmly past South Sudan goalkeeper Ramadan Ding feeding on a Allan Okello defence spliting pass to make it 2-1.
Four minutes later, substitute Solomon Ovoyo was played in one on one with Ding by Allan Okello’s lose control and made no mistake from 5 yards as he made sure that the Hippos take a 3-1 lead.
With the game in Uganda’s favour already, Mustapha Kizza got himself sent off on 75 minutes for persistent arguing with the referee, much to the disgust of the home fans.
Another Hippos substitute, Hamisi Tibita made it four in the his team’s favour when he turned in captain Julius Poloto’s free kick from close range.
Four was soon five deep into added time when teenage sensation Allan Okello scored a trade mark goal, running on the right, cutting in field and unleashing a ferocious left footed shot that went in off the cross bar.
The two teams will meet again in the weekend of 20-22nd April in Juba to decide who goes through to the next qualification round.
Cameroon awaits the victor in this tie before a potential tie with giants Mali in the last chase of qualification. Looking at things, it will be a long qualification process that’s if Uganda can manage into the tournament proper.
Hippos team that started the 5-1 win over South Sudan.
Saidi Keni(GK), Paul Willa, Mustapha Mujizi, Geoffrey Wasswa, Mustapha Kizza, Abubaker Kasule, Julius Poloto(c), Frank Tumwesigye, Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Josua Okiror.
