George Abege scored an important goal to earn Uganda’s U-20 team, Hippos a 1-all draw against hosts Mozambique last evening in Maputo to qualify for the next round of the African Youth Championship qualifiers.
Taking a 4-0 advantage in Kampala two weeks ago, coach Paul Nkata had hoped to get another victory away from home, but the Mozambique youngsters took an early lead, but the Maroons FC striker Abege leveled matters in the second half to give the Hippos a 5-1 goal aggregate qualification.
The Hippos will now face giants and former World Youth champions Ghana in the next round. “The boys have done us proud and we as the FA are very happy and will continue to work hard so that they team can qualify for the Championships,” said FUFA’s spokesman Rogers Mulindwa.
The contingent led by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Zone 1 Chairman Ibrahim Maraka is expected to return on Monday.
The players who travelled included Kalyowa Emmanuel, Ochaya Joseph, Owori Isaac, Nkata Fred, Mukisa Yusuf, Wadri William, Aucho Khalid, Maloba Denis, Kyeyune Saidi, Wakiro Nico Wadada, Ssenkoomi Samuel and Kasadha Lawrence. Others are Ogwang Julius, Opiyo George Abege, Yayo Kato Lutimba, Tuliraba Alex, Ssekisambu Erisa and Magoola Salim Omar.
