Overview:
After defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Accra, Uganda Hippos head coach Morleyy Byekwaso expects a bigger challenge in Senegal, the other group team alongside South Sudan.
It remains a special moment and joy unlimited for every football tactician and his entire backroom staff when the right codes are embedded together to conjur a convincing victory.
Such was that material time when Libyan referee Ahmed Abdulrazg signaled for full-time at the Accra sports stadium as Uganda U-20 football team hitherto the Hippos edged Nigeria 2-1 at the 13th African Games.
Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso Ochama hugged every member of his technical team and the players moments after the final whistle.
He was specifically lauding them for the job well executed in 90 minutes to smile home with maximum points.
“I thank God for this victory” Byekwaso commenced as he addressed the media in the official post-match press conference.
“I thank the technical team and players for the input. Playing against a super power of football in Nigeria is never easy but we managed to show them what we can. We got the tactics right. After a slow start, the players lifted themselves. We gave our best in this match and won the game” he added.
Uganda scored through Arafat Kizza Usama and towering midfielder Ivan Irinimbabazi whilst Nigeria’s consolation came from Sadiq Muhammad Isiyaka.
Focus switches to Senegal:
Byekwaso expects a bigger challenge in Senegal, the other group team alongside South Sudan.
“We respect Senegal but do not fear them. Definitely, Senegal is not Nigeria but we shall give our best and plan accordingly” Byekwaso added.
Uganda faces Senegal on Monday, 11th March 2024 in their next game.
His counterpart from Nigeria Ladan Isah Bosso conceded defeat and believes they will raise to the occasion in the remaining two group games.
“It is unfortunate that we lost the game. There is need to raise the bar and win the remaining two matches. Uganda played well and won, congragulations to them” Bosso revealed.
Senegal beat South Sudan 1-0 in the earlier contest at Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday before Uganda’s floodlit game.
Uganda’s delegation at the 13th African Games also has girls’ football, swimming, judo, table tennis, badminton, cycling, rugby, cricket, chess and pickleball.
Team Line ups:
Uganda XI: Abdu Magada (GK), Harunah Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Rogers Torach Ochaki (Captain), Ronald Madoi, Abasi Kyeyune, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Bruno Bunyaga, Arafat Usama Kizza, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Allan Oyirwoth
Substitutes: Shamulan Kamya (GK), Humprey Oyirwoth (GK), Cyrus Kibande, Apollo Kagogwe, Enock Luyima, Alpha Thiery Ssali, John Innocent Kisolo, Shafiq Magogo, Hakim Mutebi
Nigeria XI: Friday James Samuel (G.K), Godwin Ime Sampson, Daniel Daga Demenege, Haruna Aliyu, Daniel Kolocho Bameyi (captain), Sadiq Muhammad Isiyaka, Charles Adah Agada, Favour Chibueze Izuogu, Alonge Ibrahim, Nasir Adeiza Muhammed, Ibrahim Musa Abdallah
Substitutes: Nathaniel Ikechukwu, Oludapo Akintola, Ibrahim Auwal, Ibrahim Kehinde, Clinton Ezekiel, Shola Yinka, Abdullahi Rabiu, Sunday Joseph, Ibrahim Idris Sulaiman
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Ahmed Abdul Razg (Libya)
- Assistant Referee 1: Abdessamad Abertoune (Mauritania)
- Assistant Referee 2: Elphas Sitole (South Africa)
- Fourth official: Aklesso Gnama (Togo)
- Commissioner: Edwin Simeon Okraku (Ghana)
- General match coordinator: Alexander Asante (Ghana)
