Uganda, South Sudan share spoils

Uganda Hippos' Frank Kayongole vies for possession with South Sudan's Fox during their AFCON U20 group B game at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia | Credit CAF Media

AFCON U20 Uganda, South Sudan share spoils

Shafic Kiyaga 21:53 - 26.02.2023

Uganda will now face Nigeria who finished as runners-up in Group A. Congo will then face the second-placed team in Group C. South Sudan on the other hand faces the Gambia.

South Sudan’s dream debut at the U20 African Cup of Nations continued with a goalless draw against Uganda Hippos that confirmed their progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The Hippos dominated the early exchanges and created numerous chances in the first half but failed to find a way past Godwill Yogusuk in the South Sudan goal.

Umar Lutalo found space down the left channel of the Ugandan attack, dropping a shoulder to cut in before seeing his effort cleared inside ten minutes of the match.

South Sudan defended resolutely and produced a last-ditch challenge through Daniel Bichok to deny Rogers Mugisha from going through on goal, and then had their first effort on target midway through the first half through Paul Mara's glancing header.

The Hippos continued to push forward, with Lutalo and Mugisha combining well on the left side of their attack.

However, South Sudan defended well with numbers, and the Bright Stars found the back of the net through Felix Abishai, only for his celebration to be cut short when he was flagged offside on the stroke of halftime.

The second half was an even battle as both sides pushed for the breakthrough under the floodlights. South Sudan's Paul Mara came close to giving his team the lead ten minutes after the restart, but planted his header onto the upright.

The Hippos thought they had taken the lead through Ronald Madoi in the 72nd minute, when he tapped in from close range, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

Jackson Mayanja's team created two late-half chances through Travis Mutyaba, who saw his shot turned over before Yogusuk denied him with a low diving save.

Despite both sides canceling each other out, Uganda finished as group leaders after a draw of lots with Congo, with whom they had finished level with on five points.

Uganda will now face Nigeria who finished as runners-up in Group A. Congo will then face the second-placed team in Group C. South Sudan on the other hand faces the Gambia. 

The race for the slot is still open with Benin, Zambia, and Tunisia still in contention. Benin plays the Gambia, who have already progressed, while Zambia plays Tunisia on Monday.