Danito NSUBUGA
The Uganda Hippos cruised to a comprehensive 3-1 victory over neighbors Kenya to book a place in the CECAFA U- 20 finals and also seal a berth at the AFCON U-20 championship to be hosted by Mauritania next year.
Morley Byekwaso’s men were handed an early lead through Busoga United’s defender Kenneth Semakula who connected with Najib Yiga’s free-kick delivery.
Man of the match Ivan Bogere brilliantly put Bobos Byaruhanga’s ball in control to extend Uganda’s lead in the 25th minute.
Bogere completed his brace in the second period after being brought down in the penalty area. He flawlessly buried home the resultant penalty-kick to send the score line far from reach for the Kenyans.
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Enock Komakech’s goal came a little too late with 10 minutes left on the clock and it was only good enough to serve as a consolation.
The Uganda Hippos will now wait for the winner between Tanzania and South Sudan to know their opponents in the final.
Only players born after January 2001 are eligible for the biannual tournament and the 16th edition will be hosted by Mauritania early next year. The top four teams from this tournament will also book a berth at the U-20 World cup in Indonesia.