Uganda’s U-20 side, the Hippos have reached the semifinals of the AFCON U-20 championship on their debut appearance. The under-age competition is being hosted by Mauritania.
The Hippos managed to move past Burkina Faso beating the West Africans 5-3 on penalties.
The regulation 90 minutes had ended goalless and extra time also didn’t produce any goals for either side.
Uganda was perfect on kicks from the penalty mark, converting all the five while goalkeeper Jack Komakech made the difference by keeping out Djiga Yacouba’s effort.
Derrick Kakooza who has scored twice at the tournament opened the gateway for Uganda sending goalkeeper Traore Moussa the wrong way.
Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere followed in that order before defender Kenneth Ssemakula took the decisive penalty.
The East African side joins Ghana who earlier reached the semis by beating Cameroon, also via a shootout.
The Uganda Hippos now await the winner between Morocco and Tunisia for a semifinal clash that could get them an appearance in the final.
INTO THE SEMIS!
— Kawowo Sports (@kawowosports) February 25, 2021
Burkina Faso0(3)-(5)0 Uganda
The Uganda Hippos score all their penalties after extra time to beat Burkina Faso.CAF#KawowoUpdates #AFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/LL5MrG2CX2
Uganda XI: Jack Komakech (Gk), Kizito Gavin, Abdu Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Kenneth Semakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Asaba, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Richard Basangwa
Burkina Faso XI: Traore Moussa (Gk), Eric Chardey, Yashir Moustapha Ouedraogo, Yocouba Djiga, Ronald Sanou, Kouame Jean Fiacre, Ibrahim Bance, Yves Clovis Ouedraogo, Joffrey Bazie, Karamoko Bamba, Moubarack Compaore
Beautiful Beautiful you just made us proud. soccer victories mean alot to us cranes fans. Keep it up guys
Congs to the boys for the grit and composure flying the BLACK, YELLOW RED HIGHER! Salute!
Good job hope you bring the trophy home.
Uganda oye
Congs congs, let’s get past those arabs either Morocco or Tunisia. You gat our support