Group stage action in football at the ongoing 13th African Games will come to a climax on Friday for both the men and women.
Uganda Hippos have had a remarkable run at the tournament so far, winning two games and booking a slot in the semifinals with a game to spare.
The performance that saw Uganda defeat super powers in Nigeria and Senegal has earned them respect and now looked at one of the favorites to clinch gold.
On Friday, the Hippos will seek to end the group business with victory against South Sudan at the newly refurbished University of Ghana Stadium.
South Sudan is already out of the tournament after losing their opening two games and will be ending their journey today against Uganda.
Coach Morley Byekwaso has confirmed he will not let complacency kick into the minds of the players and promised the same energy against South Sudan just like it has been in the opening two games.
“We have performed well in our first two games but it is not yet over. We have already qualified for the semifinals but that doesn’t mean we will not come with full commitment against South Sudan.” He said.
“Losing against South Sudan can kill the mood in camp. At the moment everyone is happy and we want to keep the same energy and attitude.” He added.
Alpha Thiery Ssali who adressed the media in the pre match press briefing shares similar sentiments with the coach and he is confident they will win against South Sudan.
“Defeating Nigeria and Senegal gave us confidence and everyone in camp is fully focused on continuing with the same momentum. We want to win every game that comes our way so that we reach our target of winning gold,” he started before adding, “ South Sudan is a very good side that we are not underminding and we will come with one target of winning so that we go into the semifinals with perfection.”
The semifinals will be played on Monday 18th March 2024 and Uganda will know its opponents after today’s games in Group A that has hosts Ghana, Benin, The Gambia and Congo.
