By Juma Kruz
Uganda U20 national team the Hippos squandered their chance to seal a slot in the last 16 as they as they surrendering their 2-1 first half lead to settle for a 2-2 draw with 10 man Congo Brazzaville team.
The Hippos played out to a 2-2 draw with 10 man Congo Brazzaville in their second game of the group B U20 AFCON in Egypt at Suez canal Stadium.
Congo Brazzaville took the first lead through Josna Loulendo in the 7th minute with Uganda coming from down to equalise through Wakiso Giants’ youngster Titus Ssematimba in the 10th Minute.
Uganda Hippos took the lead through Saidi Mayanja in the 33rd minute after captain Isma Mugulusi did the donkey work on the right wing to perfectly set up the KCCA FC midfielder.
Earlier in the Second half, Congo Brazzaville were reduced to 10 men after a second bookable offence of captain Claude Ngongara on Saidi Mayanja.
Uganda Hippos didn’t utilise the opportunity as they were average both offensively and defensively.
Striker John Paul Dembe had two goal scoring opportunities but he lacked ideas as he failed to convert from the keeper to beat situations, captain Isma Mugulusi was also found in the same situation as he failed to put the ball in the back of the net which affected Uganda who didn’t impress more in the second half.
Congo Brazzaville equalled matters in the 72nd Minute though defender Arnauvy princide Mambouli.
Uganda Hippos’ striker Paul Dembe missed two open Chances in the Second half.
Second half Substitute Travis Mutyaba had a chance to gift Hippos quater finals seat in the rewinding minutes though he failed to beat off Congolese defenders.
Meanwhile South Sudan won Central African Republic 1-0 in their Second game.
Following the results, Uganda are level with Congo Brazzaville in Group B with 4 points each and +1 goal difference.
South Sudan comes third with 3points and Central African Republic Comes last with no point.
Uganda Cranes will get back in action on Sunday 26th as they will be Versing South Sudan
Uganda Hippos Starting XI
Abdul Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwaga, Ibrahim Juma, Apollo Kagogwe, Rogers Torach, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Rogers Mugisha, Saidi Mayanja, Titus Ssematimba, Isma Mugulusi (C), John Paul Dembe
Substitutes
Kamya Shamran (GK), Justin Opiro, Umar Lutalo, Ronald Madoi, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Travis Mutyaba, Alpha Ssali, Issa Bugembe, Hakim Mutebi, Frank Katongole
