The Uganda Hippos' FIFA U-2O world cup dream went out of the window following their 1-0 loss to Nigeria on Thursday evening at the Suez stadium in Egypt, ultimately missing out on a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Uganda Hippos' FIFA U-2O world cup dream went out of the window following their 1-0 loss to Nigeria on Thursday evening at the Suez stadium in Egypt, ultimately missing out on a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Hippos started on the back foot just two minutes in when centre-back Rogers Torach failed to clear the ball, only for Ibrahim Muhhamad to bypass him and shoot, but goalkeeper Abdu Magada was alert with a save.
Eight minutes later, Ivan Irinmbabazi could have given Uganda the lead with a header, but goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso calmly collected.
The worst was yet to come; Nigeria took the lead in the 30th minute with Ibrahim Muhhamad's effort bouncing of the upright before it deflected off Ibrahim Juma into the back of the net.
Hippos head coach Jackson Mayanja rang the changes at the restart, making a double substitution, surprisingly taking off Travis Mutyaba and Titus Ssematimba for Saidi Mayanja and Umar Lutalo, respectively.
The withdrawal of Mutyaba and Ssematimba left captain Isma Mugulusi as the only creative mind for the team. Still, Nigeria's size at the back made it hard for the Hippos to break through.
Nigeria was able to contain and see out the game as they joined Senegal to book a ticket to the FIFA World Cup and also reach the semi-finals of the AFCON U-20.
Senegal defeated Benin 1-0 in the earlier quarter final in Cairo to set up the semi-final meeting between the West African nations.
Uganda lost the final in 2021 to Ghana and qualified for the World cup but didn't feature due to the Covid pandemic, which disrupted the world.
AFCON U-20 Quarter Finals Results.
Hippos 0 - 1 Nigeria
Senegal 1 - 0 Benin.
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