LIVE - AFCON U20: UGANDA 0-1 NIGERIA

Nigeria defeat the Uganda Hippos 1-0 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia to progress to the semi-final of the 2023 U20 AFCON and also book a place at the 2023 U20 FIFA World Cup.

The Flying Eagles have become the second team in Egypt to book their place in Indonesia.

The Uganda Hippos' FIFA U-2O world cup dream went out of the window following their 1-0 loss to Nigeria on Thursday evening at the Suez stadium in Egypt, ultimately missing out on a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The referee blows the final whistle to confirm it. The Uganda Hippos threw all they had at it, but in the end it was not to be for them.

FT Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: END OF THE ROAD FOR THE HIPPOS

 The referee blows the final whistle to confirm it. The Uganda Hippos threw all they had at it, but in the end it was not to be for them. 

The World Cup dream is over, they could touch it, they could smell it, but unfortunately it was not to be yet again. 

The Hippos players drop to their fours, while the Nigerians begin their heartful celebrations. Nigeria confirm their place at the 2023 U20 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia. 

The Flying Eagles march on to the semi-finals where Senegal awaits.

91' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: THATS IT FOR MUHAMMAD

Ibrahim Muhammad trods off with adulation from teammates and the Nigerian fans here at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia. 

He ochestrated the moment that is still the difference between these two sides. Nicholas Johnathan takes his place.

90' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: NIGERIAN CAN SEE THE FINISH LINE

The Nigerian bench can start to feel that they have done enough to see them through to the semi-finals with a World Cup ticket to go with it. 

The substitutes have started preparing themselves to start the celebrations. Meanwhile the frustration is plain to see with the Hippos and none embodies it more than coach Jackson Mayanja. 

They still have three minutes to re-write the script.

83' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: TORACH GOES TO BOOK

There was no discontent with the decision to book defender John Torach. A cynical challenge on substitute Jude Sunday who almost beat him out wide. 

Nigeria make another substitution; Ahmed Abdulahi replaces Ayuba Francis Abubakar.

80' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: INTO THE FINAL 10 MINUTES

This should be the moment for any heroes to step up and step forward as the game enters the final 10 minutes. 

There has been no movement from the Uganda Hippos' technical area, but Jackson Mayanja still have options like Emmanuel Mukisa, Hakim Mutebi and Alpha Thierry Ssali should he decide to call him upon 

75' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: FINAL 15 MINUTES

Still 1-0 in favour of Nigeria as we enter into the final quarter of the game. 

The Hippos' momentum seem to have faded off, but they are still capable of working themselves into good positions. 

Apollo Kagogwe attempts a ludicrous wild effort from 30 years, but that was not troubling the goal keeper.

70' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION FOR NIGERIA

IN: Adams Olamilekan Alade Striker #19 
OUT: Muhammad Aminu Midfielder #10 

IN: Jude Sunday Striker #15 
OUT: Rilwanu Haliru Sarki Striker #15

65' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: SAIDI MAYANJA A HANDFUL
Since his introduction, Saidi Mayanja has been a handful for Nigeria, and has been integral for much of the right things the Hippos have done in this second half. 

And was again at it, as he was at the end of another well executed team move for the Hippos but his attempted shot is again shot at the goalkeeper as another chance agonisingly goes to waste.

On the other end, John Torach shows his quality as he pulls off an important last ditch tackle to stop a counter attack for Nigeria. 
 

60' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: HIPPOS CLOSE

That should have been it, the Uganda Hippos have not created any better opportunity than this one. Almost perfect buildup, from back to front, and when they get into the final third, they do not panick and it nearly pays off. 

Cheeky play at the edge of the box sees Saidi Mayanja set up his captain Ismail Mugulusi who just fails to find the right power behind the his effort.

56' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: POSITIVE FROM THE HIPPOS

The Hippos continue knocking at Nigeria. Umar Lutalo does well down the left wing, progresses into the box and sets up Saidi Mayanja but his tame shot is straight at the goalkeeper.

53' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: MUGULUSI SHOOTS WIDE

Captain Isma Mugulusi takes matters into his own hands, but his effort flies wide. Mayanja urges his team on. 

49' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria: PHEW HIPPOS LUCKY

Its the same script at the start of the second half like it was in the first half. Nigeria probing and nearly add a second. 

Saidi Mayanja is caught in possesion, and Nigeria quickly attack, Ibrahim Muhammed cuts onto his left foot but scraps his shot wide.

46' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria BACK FOR THE SECOND HALF

Jackson Mayanja has reacted with a double substitution as the second half resumes. Umar Lutalo and Saidi Mayanja replace Titus Ssematimba and Travis Mutyaba

HT' Uganda 0-1 Nigeria

As you take a look at the highlights reel, what have you made of Uganda's performance in the opening 45 minutes?

Let us know via social media via #PulseSports256 | #PulseUGANGA | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20

NIGERIA'S BOSSO OPTIMISTIC

Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso has been talking up his side's chances ahead of the game, isisting that Nigeria has enough to secure qualification for the U20 FIFA World Cup but says the Uganda Hippos should not be taken lightly. 

Goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso echoed the sentiments of his coach, stating that they need to work even harder to beat the Hippos of Uganda.

SENEGAL INTO LAST FOUR

In the end Samba Diallo's header was enough to secure victory for Senegal over Benin at the Cairo International Stadium, to become the first team to progress to the semi finals of the 2023 U20 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.

The Beninese saw more of the ball, but the initiative was with the Senegalese who took the lead in the 51st minute, and should have added a second with under 20 minutes to play, but Diallo planted his shot on the crossbar, but that did not matter in the end. 1-0 it ended. 

MAYANJA WANTS BRAVE HIPPOS

Uganda Hippos coach Jackson Mayanja insists his team must be the best version of themselves if they are to make their dream of World Cup qualification a reality.

Mayanja has not shied away from his ambition of guiding the Hippos to the World Cup since he took over the team in October 2022, and with the team now at least 90 minutes away from achieving that, he insists only they can decide their fate.

CAN SENEGAL HOLD ON?

A little over five minutes to play at the Cairo International Stadium, and it looks like Senegal will take the first semi-final slot and also become the first African nation to book a ticket to the World Cup.

Samba Diallo's header in the 51st minute giving Senegal the advantage. The no.10 should have had a second but planted his effort on the cross bar with the goal gapping.

TWO FOR ONE

Not more than 120 minutes lie between these two nations, but it will probably be the most rewarding game these youngsters will be involved given what is at stake. All the effort and sweat will be more than compensated for with not only a slot in the U20 AFCON semi-final, but also a ticket to the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia

Good afternoon; 

Ready and strapped in for what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter between the Uganda Hippos and Nigeria's Flying Eagles.