U-20 Africa Championship: Hippos prepare for Ghana

By Silvano Kibuuka

July 27, Nakivubo: Uganda v Ghana

The U-20 national soccer team winger Julius Ogwang is recovering steadily from an injury he sustained in a friendly as the Cranes drew 2-2 with South Sudan a week ago.

Ogwang, who underwent light training on Wednesday, participated in the sessions to give coaches Paul Nkata and Abdallah Mubiru hope.

The Hippos team will host Ghana’s Satellites on July 27 at Nakivubo in a qualifier game for the finals of Africa U-20 Championship slated for next year in Algeria.

On Wednesday, the coaches embarked on double sessions due to the limited time available, according to Nkata.

The Hippos started training last week at Kampala Rugby Football Club ground, Lugogo.

In the preparations that started last week, head coach Nkata said the emphasis is now on enhancing power, speed and endurance.

“We shall have residential training at Kavumba Recreation Centre starting Friday. We know Ghana is a soccer giant and has the U-20 World Cup title but we are not moved. We only have to get better prepared to demolish them,” said the coach after training on Monday.

Nkata however regretted the absence of some five key starters on the team who are at the CECAFA Club Championship in Dar es Salaam.

Yayo Lutimba, Elias Sekisambu, Said Kyeyune, Sam Senkoomi are players with URA FC in Dar, while Julius Ogwang is still nursing an injury he sustained in Juba during the friendly against South Sudan last week.

Consequently, FUFA has drafted in new faces namely Hashim Sempala and Henry Katongole from Express, Joseph Mpande of Bunamwaya, Robert Omunuk of Simba and Geoffrey Tawaya of BIDCO.

The Hippos ejected Mozambique 5-1 on aggregate and a win against Ghana will ensure Uganda qualifies for the finals.