Mugisha lauds Hippos after first win

Rogers Mugisha (25) joins captain Isma Mugulusi to celebrate Uganda's opening goal in their 2-1 victory over CAR in the 2023 AFCON in Ismailia | Courtesy photo

AFCON U20 Mugisha lauds Hippos after first win

Shafic Kiyaga 11:58 - 21.02.2023

Mugisha was a constant threat down the left wing for the Uganda Hippos. In fact, it was his corner that was flicked on by Titus Ssematimba for captain Isma Mugulusi to prod in the opening goal.

Uganda began their U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign positively with a victory over the Central African Republic, thanks in no small part to the outstanding performance of winger Rogers Mugisha.

The Hippos secured a 2-1 win in Group B on Sunday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, thanks to second-half goals from captain Isma Mugulusi and John Paul Dembe.

Mugisha was a constant threat down the left wing for the Uganda Hippos. In fact, it was his corner that was flicked on by Titus Ssematimba for captain Isma Mugulusi to prod in the opening goal.

Speaking to journalists after the match, Uganda winger Rogers Mugisha hailed his team's efforts and expressed his delight at being named the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.

“We played really well and deserved to win the match,” said Mugisha, adding; “We dominated the match and created chances to extend our lead.”

“We are happy with the result in the first match and it will help us in the upcoming matches.”

“It feels great to win the award of the Man of the Match and it will boost me more. We want to qualify for the World Cup and winning today was important.”

CAR proved a tough nut to crack in the first half but cracked early in the second half as the Hippos took a hold of the game.

Uganda had the ball in the back of the net, but it was chalked off for offside, however, Mugulusi stubbed in the Hippos’ first goal shortly after.

John Paul Dembe doubled the lead in the 74th minute with the goal of the day after latching on to a long pass, spinning around his marker before curling the ball into the far post.

The victory puts the Hippos joint top of Group B and will be looking to build on this win and secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

The Hippos play Congo Brazzaville in their second game with a chance of early progress. Congo defeated South Sudan 2-1 in their opening game as well.