African Games 2023: First semifinals in 24 years for Uganda after massive win over Senegal

Uganda Hippos celebrate their goal against Senegal|FUFA IMAGES

African Games 2023: First semifinals in 24 years for Uganda after massive win over Senegal

Allan Damba • 20:39 - 11.03.2024

In the victory against Senegal, youngster Allan Oyirwoth managed the all-important goal on the evening to send Uganda into the semifinals of the tournament for the first time since 1999 when they finished fourth.

The Uganda U20 team continued their excellence at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana with a 1-0 victory over giants Senegal on Monday.

This was the second win for the Hippos after initially edging Nigeria 2-1 in the first game last Thursday.

Hippos line up against Senegal|FUFA IMAGE

In the victory against Senegal, youngster Allan Oyirwoth managed the all-important goal on the evening to send Uganda into the semifinals of the tournament for the first time since 1999 when they finished fourth.

Morley Byekwaso's charges have accumulated six points in two games, with Senegal (three), Nigeria and South Sudan following.

Oyirwoth scored two minutes to the half-hour mark with a rebound after his penalty had been saved.

The spot-kick was awarded after KCCA FC attacker Usama Arafat Kizza got fouled in the box.

Uganda held on in the second half, standing tall and strong against the physically stouter and surging Senegalese, to eventually smile to a memorable victory.

The Hippos will now shift attention to their final group stage match when they take on South Sudan on Friday.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Senegal tussle it out with fellow West African heavyweights Nigeria.