Uganda Hippos qualify for 2021 Africa U20 Nations Cup

2021 AFRICA U-20 CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFICATION

Uganda's under-20 national football side, The Hippos, qualified for the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations on Monday after beating Kenya 3-1 in the semi-finals of the CECAFA qualifiers in Tanzania.

Ivan Bogere's brace after Kenneth Semakula's opener at the Black Rhino Academy in the district of Karatu helped The Hippos to advance to the finals, as well as to the final of the zonal competition, where they will face either hosts Tanzania or South Sudan, who play in the other semi-final later today (3.30pm).

That was Bogere's second brace in two successive games in the competition after scoring two of Uganda's six goals against Burundi in Group B, which they topped ahead of South Sudan, Burundi and Eritrea.

There were similarities in his goals. His first goal in both games came in the first half and the second goals were both second-half penalities.

Meanwhile, in Monday's game, Enock Wanyama pulled one back for the Kenyans 10 minutes before time, but any sense of an attempt at a comeback was kept at bay as the Ugandan lads held on to progress.

Having knocked Kenya off their perch to qualify for the AFCON U-20 championship due in Mauritania next year, Morley Byekwaso's side will retain their focus on the CECAFA tournament, in the hope that they return home with the double delight of AFCON qualification and the zonal title.

In their way stand either hosts and defending champions Tanzania, who have enjoyed a flawless campaign or South Sudan who have had a similar performance to Uganda's in the lead-up to the knockout stage.

Tanzania thrashed Djibouti 6-1 in their opening Group A game, before meting out similar punishment to Somalia with a comprehensive 8-1 victory four days later.

After a drab opening goalless display against Uganda, South Sudan went on to beat Burundi 4-0 to settle for second place of Group B. They were ranked the top second-placed team, which merited their progression to the knock-out stage.

Now, they meet Tanzania in the semis. Uganda, sitting neat and pretty on the shore, will be watching this one very closely to know who they will face in the final.