The hallmark of Champions is the ability to navigate through tough times and that is exactly what the Uganda Hippos did to book a slot in the final of the men’s football tournament at the African Games 2023.
Uganda needed to come from 2 goals down at halftime to win 4-2 in the semifinals played on Tuesday at Accra Sports Stadium.
A slow start to the game for Uganda gave an opportunity to Congo to take the lead in the 15th minute through Servyl Akaouala who scored direct from a free kick.
Uganda was forced into making a change in the 19th minute when goalkeeper Shamulan Kamya got injured. He was replaced by Abdu Magada.
Congo doubled their lead at the stroke of half time with Mignon Koto calmly slotting the ball beyong Magada.
However, Uganda looked a different team in the second half and indeed went ahead to score four goals.
At the beginning of the second half, coach Morley Byekwaso made a change in the midfield, bringing on Hakim Mutebi in place of Ivan Irinimbabazi.
The change seemed to have turned around the game with Uganda committing more numbers up front in search for goals.
Abasi Kyeyune ignited the comeback, scoring at the hour mark in what was a team goal that saw a string of passes knitted together before the ball hitting the back of the net.
In the 70th minute, Bruno Bunyaga found the equalizer and went ahead to head home three minutes later to send the Ugandan crowd in Accra Sports Stadium into wild celebrations.
Mutebi also got onto the score sheet in the 81st minute to complete a comeback for Uganda.
Uganda Hippos will face Ghana in the final on Friday at Accra Sports Stadium.
Uganda U20 Starting XI
Shamulan Kamya (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Ronald Madoi, Rogers Torach(C), Ivan Irinimbabazi, Jonah Patrick Kakande, Allan Oyirwoth, Bruno Bunyaga, Arafat Usama, Abasi Kyeyune
Substitutes
Abdu Magada (GK), Humphrey Oyirwoth (GK), Apollo Kagogwe, Enock Luyima, Cyrus Kibande, Innocent Kisolo, Hakim Mutebi, Shafiq Magogo, Alpha Thiery Ssali
Congo Starting XI
Dhody Bissila (GK), Servyl Akouala, Jacques Bowamba, Julio Ngandziami, Gedeon Nongo, Dechan Moussavou, Inno Jospin Loemba (C), Sarr Samba, Nano Ngatsogo, Diolvy Moukouba, Mignon Koto
Substitutes
Ruben Malonga (GK), Maillon Makoundou(GK), Prince Nianga, Kevin Ibara, Yannick Linouaka, John Itoua, Thierry Bakala, Droctia Amboulou, Gloire Okondziomba
