Uganda Hippos 4-0 Mozambique
Four first half goals from Lutimba Yayo, Ssekisambu Erias (2) and Wadri William Kadogo were enough for Uganda national U-20 side ‘The Hippos’ to triumph over their Mozambique counter parts in the first leg of the African U-20 Championship qualifying tie played this afternoon at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium.
The hosts went ahead as early as 22 seconds when midfielder Lutimba Yayo’s shot went past Mozambique custodian Edison for the opening goal of the day. The
Express FC midfielder picked a loose ball inside the opponents’ half and shot directly on goal from over 25 yards. Ssekismabu Erias made two in favor of the hosts 7 minutes later with a thunder bolt after receiving a nice pass from strike partner Wadri William on the edge of the 18 yard box.
From this moment, it was evident the inexperience of the visitors custodian was there for all to see as the hosts resorted to long distance shots whenever they were allowed space. Lutimba Yayo almost added his second and third for the team but his beautifully taken shot hit the woodwork in the 22nd minute. Wadri also missed another opportunity to extend Uganda’s lead on the 27th minute after he shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
Two minutes later, Erias Ssekisambu completed his brace when he tapped the ball into the net after Julius Ogwang’s low cross from the right wing beat the entire Mozambique defence and the Express striker added his second and the hippos third.
The visitor’s had a chance to get back into the game on the 36th minute mark but their star man Clasio was neatly defended by right back Wadada Nicolas with only custodian Jamal Salim to beat. Three minutes after that, Wadri William headed in a Nicolas Wadada cross from the right wing to make it four and beyond the visitors reach.
After recess, Coach Paul Nkata introduced midfielder Gift Ali for the injured Wadri William and later entertaining Isaac Owor for the tired Julius Ogwang. The visitors however came out the better side and almost got a goal in the 54th minute but danger man Clasio’s shot hit the wood work after rounding off the entire Hippos defence. Ssekisambu Erias missed a chance for a debut hat trick when he missed two seaters on two occasions in the 52nd and 75th minute with only custodian Edison to beat. The ball somehow stuck between his legs and failed to shoot. Substitute Fred Nkata who had come on for goal scorer Lutimab Yayo had a chance to get on the score sheet but his shot inside the area hit the bar and was instantly cleared by the Mozambique defence that looked settled for the entire second half.
With the visitors now playing their A game in the closing minutes, The hippos had right back Nicolas Wadada to thank after the defender’s goal line clearance denied Clasio to get at least a consolation for his side. In the 92nd minute, Ugandan custodian Jamal Salim had to be at his best to again deny the visitors from getting a precious away goal when he made that brilliant save from a Caique shot. Final whistle from the Seychelles referee meant Uganda will carry a four goal advantage to Mozambique for the return leg and look favorites to meet Ghana in the next round before they can qualify for the Algiers 2013 edition.
Man of the match: Aucho Khalid had a brilliant performance in the midfield intercepting opponents play as well as launching attacks. Almost got on the score sheet but his 45th minute shot from the edge of the box went just an inch off the mark.
What they had to say:
Ugandan Coach Paul Nkata: “We will go out there and look for the first goal because it will grant qualification into the next round. We didn’t score goal in the second half because our target was two goals but we got lucky and scored four which gave us the chance to taste a few things.”
Mozambique Coach Calton Banze: “It’s not all over because we have a match in Mozambique, we know the result is too heavy for us but we still got 90 minutes to try and overcome this result. We wanted to come out of Uganda with a draw but that didn’t happen so we have to go back, work and change things around. Uganda is a good side they got their chances and took them.”
Hippos line up: Jamal (gk), Wadada, Ocaya, Mukisa (cpt), Kasadha, Aucho, Kyeyune, Ogwang ( Owor ), Wadri ( Gigi ), Lutimba ( Nkata ) and Ssekismabu.
Mozambique line up: Edison, Almeilda, Arnalo, Reveildo (Mazuze), Massana (Matumbe), Domigosi, Manucho (Caique), Nafftal, Sunde, Sidique and Clasio.