Sunday, February 26
*Uganda Vs South Sudan – 8pm
*Central African Republic Vs Congo – 8pm
Table
- Congo 🇨🇬 – 4
- Uganda 🇺🇬 – 4
- South Sudan 🇸🇸 – 3
- Central African Republic 🇨🇫 – 0
Uganda Hippos will be seeking to finish the group stages of the AFCON U20 tournament on a high when they take on South Sudan on Sunday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
With even the best two third-placed teams qualifying to the quarterfinals, the Hippos who are second on four points, have already sealed a place in the knockout.
In this three-group tournament, Group A has already completed their games, with Egypt who finished third on One point having no chance to take one of the two slots for the best third placed teams.
But Uganda Hippos will be hoping to end Sunday on top of their group to land a fair draw in the Quarterfinals which is a win away to FIFA U20 World Cup Qualification.
The Hippos who beat Central African Republic 2-1 in their opener, were held to a 2-2 draw against Congo who levelled matters in the second half they played with a man less after their captain was sent off.
And the match against South Sudan gives Jackson Mayanja and his charges to make amends.
Mayanja said that he is not taking South Sudan lightly.
“People should not think South Sudan is a small nation in football but the team is a good team so we’re taking them as a very serious team,” said Mayanja
“We should take South Sudan as a nation which qualifies in their true colours.
“In this process we’re in every game is very, very vital for the team and all the teams in the tournament. For us we handle the game as it comes.”
To finish top, the Hippos have to better Congo’s result against Central African Republic, with both games being played at the same time.
It’s strong to note that Uganda beat South Sudan, coming from a goal down to win 2-1, when the two sides met in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final last year in Sudan.
Then, Isa Bugembe cancelled out Felix Abishai opener for South Sudan before Titus Ssematimba won it for Uganda in the second half.
“Uganda is our neighbor and it’s going to be a derby and a brotherhood game,” said South Sudan coach Peter James.
“When our stadium was under construction all our national teams’ matches were played in Uganda.
“We like their style and the way they play the game so I think the fans will enjoy the game.
“South Sudan and Uganda is always a special game due to many reasons. In terms of culture it is the same culture between the two teams.
“Most of the players know each other because they have been playing together either in school or in their clubs, so they know the details of each other.”
South Sudan lost to Congo in their opener before beating Central African Republic 1-0.
It’s strong to note that if Uganda Hippos finish second, they will face Group A winners Nigeria!
Finishing top of Group B will hand Uganda Hippos a tie against Group C runners up (Benin, Tunisia or Zambia).
Coming third in the group will see the Hippos face off with Group C winners Gambia.
