The Uganda National Under-20 team, called the Hippos, is in a good mood before their first game against Tanzania tonight in Khartoum, Sudan, for the TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations-AFCON U-20 CECAFA Zonal qualifiers. They will play Tanzania, a rival team, in their first game.
The Hippos are attempting to defend the title they won in 2020. Since Uganda got to Sudan on Wednesday, the team has had three training sessions, and the interim coach, Jackson Mayanja, says that everyone is in good shape.
However, he highlighted concerns about the scorching temperatures in Sudan, which he says often affect players who are not used to such conditions. He, however, says the few days spent in Khartoum have helped them acclimatise.
Mayanja is handling a side comprised of three players who were part of the team that reached the AFCON U-20 Final in Mauritania in 2021. They are Isma Mugulusi, Wabyoona Faisal and goalkeeper Denis Ssenyondwa.
Team captain Mugulusi is equally certain that the team will get off to a strong start. Even though he knows that the tournament is not as easy as many people say it is, he is sure that they can beat any opponent.
After the clash with Tanzania in Group B, the Hippos will rest for six days before playing their second group game against Ethiopia on November 5. The best two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-final stage, while the teams that make the final will automatically qualify for the U-20 AFCON 2023 to be held in Egypt.
Meanwhile, in matches played on Friday, Burundi walloped Djibouti 5-0, while Sudan and South Sudan settled for a goalless draw in their Group A matches.
Group A: Sudan, Djibouti, South Sudan, Burundi
Group B: Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia