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The Uganda Hippos camped in Egypt a week before the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations and were immediately involved in a friendly against the hosts.
The Uganda Hippos camped in Egypt a week before the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations and were immediately involved in a friendly against the hosts.
The two played out a one-all stalemate in a game played at the Military Academy Stadium in Cairo on Monday.
KCCA FC Junior Team's forward John Paul Ddembe netted Uganda Hippos' goal in the 42nd minute before a quick equalizer from the hosts when Wakiso Giants FC's Apollo Kagogwe conceded an own goal.
Despite not winning, head coach Jackson Mayanja will be glad that his charges had a good display against such an opponent, especially in the middle of the park.
Titus Ssematimba, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Travis Mutyaba, and Ibrahim Juma had moments of proof that they would be critical players for Uganda in the final tournament, as they were decent on the evening.
Following the friendly with the Egyptian U20 in Cairo, the CECAFA giants will shift base to Ismailia to continue preparations, where Group B games shall be played.
They can be regarded as favourites, having reached the final in Mauritania 2021 but lost 2-0 to Ghana during their maiden appearance.
A semifinal slot will be enough to earn Uganda a place at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia in May. They had qualified for the World Cup in 2021, which was abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayanja's coached side is pooled in Group B with South Sudan, Congo, and Central African Republic (CAR), and they will get underway on February 20th against the latter.
How the Hippos lined up: Abdu Magada (GK) Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Saidi Mayanja, Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Titus Ssematimba, John Paul Ddembe
Substitutes: Kamya Shamran, Oyo Delton, Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Patrick Kakande, Roger Mugisha, Issa Bugembe, Shafiq Magogo, Alpha Ssali, Emmanuel Mukisa, Hakim Mutebi, Samson Kasozi, Frank Katongole
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