Uganda U20 Men’s National Team have a chance to write history on Thursday as they face Nigeria at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Hippos take on Nigeria in a quarterfinal clash well aware that the winner will not only progress to the semifinals but also seal a ticket to the U20 FIFA World Cup.
Despite Uganda playing up to the final in the previous edition two years ago, the World Cup did not come to reality since the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Today’s encounter at the Suez Canal therefore presents a second bite at the cherry.
It should be noted that the four teams that reach the semifinals will represent Africa at the FIFA World Cup slated for May in Indonesia.
Coach Jackson Mayanja has never shied away from confirming that the ultimate target is to go to the World Cup.
“From the time I was given the role as Hippos coach, I made it clear that qualification to the World Cup is the goal. We have come along way and now closer to it. We play Nigeria which is a strong side but we know what this match means to us. It is a game that can turn around Ugandan football, change our lives, especially for the players.” He said.
Captain Isma Mugulusi who was part of the team that played in Mauritania two years ago is aware of what today’s game means.
“It is a big game against a big nation with history but we also want to write history. We are going to go all out, leave everything on the pitch because this is the moment we have been waiting for.” Said the soft spoken forward.
Mugulusi, Ibrahim Juma, Ivan Irinimbabazi, John Paul Dembe and Haruna Lukwago were all rested in the final group game and are expected to return to the starting XI.
Probable Starting XI
Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Isma Mugulusi, Titus Ssematimba, John Paul Dembe, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mugisha