CECAFA U20 Championships
Uganda vs Sudan
Pece Stadium, Gulu
Wednesday, 25-08-2019 @4pm
The Uganda U20 Men’s national football team, the Hippos will be hoping to seal top spot when they take on Sudan at the Pece Stadium in Gulu on Wednesday afternoon.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Eritrea in their opening game, Morley Byekwaso’s side bounced back by thumping Djibouti 5-1 on Monday.
It was a much needed victory for the Hippos and one that sees them sit second of Group A with 4 points, level with leaders Sudan.
With the Sudanese scoring 7 goals against Uganda’s 6, they currently enjoy top spot.
Wednesday’s encounter will be a test for Uganda’s progression ever since the tournament started.
With Eritrea two points behind in third, a loss for either Uganda or Sudan may see them fall from the automatic quarterfinal qualifying slot, a scenario they will be looking to avoid.
“Our target is to once again register all three points, noted Hippos head coach Morley Byekwaso ahead of the game.
“After the opening draw, the boys bounced back with a strong performance and ensured we won the second game.
“It (win) has built their confidence levels and i am sure they will be gunning for more on Wednesday.
“Sudan has put them selves in a picture as one of the better sides in the competition and will surely pose serious questions but I am not worried because my team has it in them to overcome any obstacle.”
In the second game, Byekwaso made two changes to the team that had drawn 1-1 with Djibouti.
The KCCA FC assistant coach started both Steven Sserwadda and Ivan Asaba in place of Isma Mugulusi and Sadat Anaku. It was a masterstroke of sorts as Sserwadda scored two of the goals and Muguluso came off the bench to put his name onto the score sheet.
With striker Ivan Bogere looking sharp upfront after scoring once in each of the two games, he is expected to continue leading the line upfront.
Sserwadda and Mugulusi will provide the width alongside Bogere in a three man attack.
If Bogere decides to tinker with his midfield, Bright Anukani who came off the bench against Djibouti is the one expected to come in for Yiga Najib.
For Sudan, they have so far defeated Djibouti and drawn with Eritrea.
The other group A game will see Djibouti take on Eritrea at 1pm on the same day.
Hippos projected starting XI
Denis Otim (1), Justine Opiro (17), Kayondo Aziz Abdul(3), Derrick Kigundu (13), Gavin Kizito (5), Kenneth Semakula (4), Hassan Senyonjo (12), Najib Yiga (7), Isma Mugulusi (15), Ivan Bogere (9), Steven Sserwadda (8)
