AFCON qualifiers: Munogera strike sends dominant Hippos into semi-finals
The 1-0 victory gave coach Laryea Kingston's side six points from two matches after they opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Djibouti. Uganda finished top of Group B with a 100% winning record.
Amour Munogera celebrates Uganda's winner against Sudan on Saturday. (Courtesy Photos)
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U-20 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers
Group A
Ethiopia 0 Tanzania 4
Group B
Sudan 0 Uganda 1
Group C
Kenya 1 South Sudan 1
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Substitute Amour Munogera scored Uganda's lone goal against Sudan as the Hippos maintained their perfect start and sealed a place in the semi-finals of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday.
The 1-0 victory gave coach Laryea Kingston's side six points from two matches after they opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Djibouti. Uganda finished top of Group B with a 100% winning record.
Uganda will face Sudan again in Tuesday's semi-final, with Kingston already turning his attention to correcting the mistakes made in Saturday's closely contested game.
“The players played well and showed good character against Sudan, and I am happy with how they responded to the challenge,” Kingston said.
Munogera came on for Genesis Ocen Odiya in the 67th minute and needed only three minutes to make an impact.
Uganda Hippos players celebrating after substitute Amour Munogera scored Uganda's lone goal against Sudan. (Courtesy Photos)
Before the goal, both teams had created opportunities in a balanced contest.
Sudan came closest in the 35th minute when Galal Omer's effort was saved by Uganda goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye, while captain Waheed Shandi had his solo run stopped by defender Gilbert Ogenrwot three minutes later.
Uganda also missed an opportunity just before half-time when Isima Magala failed to convert from close range after being set up by Derrick Ssozi.
Kingston said the repeat meeting gives his technical team an opportunity to study Saturday's game and address the areas that need improvement.
“We will assess our mistakes from this game and correct them because we know Sudan, and we will prepare well for the semi-final,” he said.
Uganda held on to secure the three points and top Group B with six points, ahead of Sudan, who finished second with three points. Djibouti, who lost both matches, were eliminated.
The result also completed the semi-final line-up after the other groups were decided on Saturday. CECAFA confirmed that Uganda topped Group B with six points, while Tanzania won Group A and Burundi topped Group C.
In Group A, hosts Tanzania topped the pool with six points after beating Ethiopia 4-0 in their final match.
Tanzania had earlier beaten Rwanda 3-0, leaving both Rwanda and Ethiopia on one point each. Tanzania therefore advanced as Group A winners, while Rwanda and Ethiopia were eliminated.
Group C was decided earlier, with Burundi finishing top after winning both matches.
The Burundians opened with a 4-0 victory over South Sudan before beating Kenya 2-0 to reach six points.
Kenya and South Sudan then drew 1-1 on Saturday, with Jonathan Gem Ajoung putting South Sudan ahead before Brighton Nacheri equalised for Kenya.
Both Kenya and South Sudan finished on one point and were eliminated.
Uganda will face Sudan at 2 pm on Tuesday, while Tanzania will take on Burundi at 6 pm. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 22.
The two winners will meet in the final, with the finalists securing the two CECAFA Zone places at the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Group standings
Group A
Tanzania 6 pts
Rwanda 1 pt
Ethiopia 1 pt
Group B
Uganda 6 pts
Sudan 3 pts
Djibouti 0 pts
Group C
Burundi 6 pts
Kenya 1 pt
South Sudan 1 pt