Uganda U20 Men’s National Team finished top of Group B at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a goalless draw against South Sudan on Sunday at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The Hippos came into the final group game well aware that a quarterfinal berth had already secured and that partly explains the changes coach Jackson Mayanja made in the starting XI.
The gaffer made five changes from the team that had played against Congo on Thursday.Skipper Isma Mugulusi, John Paul Dembe, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Haruna Lukwago and Ibrahim Juma were rested.
This paved way for Ronald Madoi, Umar Lutalo, Frank Katongole, Issa Bugemba and Travis Mutyaba to start.
Despite getting numerous scoring opportunities, the game ended in a barren stalemate and the result meant Uganda and Congo were equal on every footing including points and goal difference.
CAF had to draw lots to draw lots after the final group games on Sunday to decide on who tops Group B.
In the draw conducted at Cairo International Stadium, Uganda was picked from the pot (hence won the lot) to finish top.
Topping the Group meant Uganda will face Nigeria who finished second in Group A. The Quarterfinal game will be played on Thursday, 2nd March 2023.
Coach Mayanja indicated they are still on the right course of qualifying to the FIFA World Cup.
“The most important moment was qualification to the Quarterfinals. Our main target as a team is to qualify for World Cup. We have one more game against Nigeria to achieve it.” He said
It should be noted that the four teams to reach the semi-finals will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
