By Juma Kruz
Group B results
Uganda 0-0 South Sudan
Congo Brazzaville 0-0 Central African Republic
Uganda Hippos played out to a goalless draw against South Sudan in their last game of group B which ensured that they finish on 5points without losing a single game.
In the same group, Congo Brazzaville managed a goalless draw with Central African Republic to level points with the Hippos and this went down to the goal difference which both teams had in similar.
On a rare occasion, the 1st position was to be decided by tossing a coin since all the countries had similar goal differences and points.
Uganda won the toss and hence topped group B so they will face Nigeria who finished as runners up in group A in the quarterfinals where as Congo Brazzaville retained the second place position.
Uganda Hippos have Successfully reached the quaterfinals for the second time consecutively, the first time was in 2021 where they managed to progress upto finals and only to lose against Ghana by a 2-0 score.
Congo Brazzaville finished Second ,South Sudan third and Central African last.
South Sudan also managed to progress to quarterfinals after finishing as the best third placed team with 4 points.
Uganda Hippos will play Nigeria on 3rd March at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia.
On the game against South Sudan, Uganda Hippos dominated the proceedings but failed to penetrate through the solid defence of Sudan.
Umar Lutalo and Travis Mutyaba both had chances to gift Hippos 3 points but missed.
Travis Mutyaba was named man of the match after a brilliant display.
Jackson Mayanja did 5 Changes from the squad that faced off Brazzaville.
Uganda Hippos Starting XI
Abdul Magada (GK), Apollo Kagogwe, Umar Lutalo, Rogers Torach, Ronald Madoi, Frank Katongole, Rogers Mugisha, Saidi Mayanja, Issa Bugembe, Titus Ssematimba (C), Travis Mutyaba.
Substitutes
Shamran Kamya (GK), Alpha Ssali Thierry, Isma Mugulusi, Shafiq Magogo, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Justin Opiro, Samson Kasozi, Ibrahim Juma, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Paul Dembe John.
