AFCON U20:🇺🇬Hippos head coach vows to go ‘head to head’ with Tanzania

Uganda Hippos head coach Morley Byekwaso has pledged to hold nothing back and wants his team to attack against CECAFA Regional qualifiers runners-up Tanzania when the two sides meet on Wednesday in their opening game of the mini tournament.

The mini tournament is part of 🇺🇬Hippos preparations ahead of the forthcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Finals that will be hosted in Mauritania in February and Byekwaso believes that playing against Tanzania gives him a good picture of how the Hippos can match with other opponents in the Final AFCONTournament and also a blessing for his hunters upfront to test their scoring abilities.

‘We have worked well on our attacking department. We need to practice more on scoring goals as it will help us a lot in the Final Tournament. The game against Tanzania in the Mini Tournament will help us find out how much work has been done in attack. There is no win that comes without scoring. My boys are hunters, they are thirsty for goals and will score. It will be a good test’

Byekwaso said ahead of 🇺🇬Hippos Mini tournament game against Tanzania

Uganda and Tanzania last met in the Final of CECAFA Regional qualifiers last year and the Hippos under the guidance of Byekwaso and the entire technical team humiliated the 2019 winners as they defeated Tanzania 4-1 at the Black Rhino Academy Sports Stadium in Karatu town on Wednesday, 2nd December 2020.

Vipers forward Richard Basangwa,midfielder Steven Sserwadda (Kcca Fc),striker Ivan Bogere, and defender Kenneth Semakula(Bul Fc) scored the four important goals for 🇺🇬Hippos whilst Selemani Hamisi netted the consolation for the hosts.

However, the result didn’t have any effect on their qualification since both teams had already secured their berths to the 2021 AFCON U-20 finals before the Final of CECAFA Regional qualifiers was even played.

This will be Uganda’s maiden appearance in this continental show piece for players below twenty years after qualifying for the first time in history.Byekwaso and his boys are in Group A alongside hosts Mauritania, Mozambique and Cameroon.

🇺🇬Hippos will play against Mozambique in their first match on 15th February 2021 while heir second match will be on 17th February against Cameroon before going head-to-head with the hosts Mauritania in their last group match on 20th February 2021.

FULL UGANDA HIPPOS CONTINGENT CURRENTLY IN TANZANIA FOR A MINI TOURNAMENT

GOALKEEPERS

Komakech Jack (18) (Ascent SA), Oyo Delton (Busoga United FC), Ssenyondwa Denis Kaala (SC Villa).

DEFENDERS

Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa), Semakula Kenneth (Busoga United FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC) Kafumbe Joseph (KCCA FC), Begisa James Penz (UPDF FC), Baligeya Simon (Kibuli SS), Abdul Azizi Kayondo (Vipers SC)

MIDFIELDERS

Mugulusi Isma (Busoga United FC), Yiga Najib (Vipers SC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC) Sserwadda Steven (KCCA FC), Eyamu Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Kawooya Andrew (KCCA FC), Asaba Ivan (Vipers SC), Ssekajja Davis (Bright Stars FC), Wabyoona Faisal (Big Talent SA).

FORWARDS

Bogere Ivan (Proline FC), Ssenyonjo Samuel (KCCA FC), Kakooza Derrick (Police FC), Basangwa Richard (Vipers SC), Bukenya Joseph Kizza (KCCA FC), Ssali Alpha Thierry (Proline FC).

OFFICIALS

Richard Ochom(Leader of Delegation),Jackson Nyiima ( Team Manager),Morley Byekwaso (Head Coach),Simeon Masaba (Assistant Head Coach),Steven Billy Kiggundu (Goalkeeping Coach),Yahaya Katumba (Team Doctor),Frank Bumpenje (Equipment officer),Alex Kasirye (Media Officer),James Ayebale (FUFA Delegate)