African Games 2023
Uganda Hippos defeat Nigeria in African Games opening match
Uganda Hippos kick started their 13th African Games campaign on a winning note seeing off Nigeria 2-1 in a Group B match played on Thursday night in Accra.
The U-20 team handled by coach Morley Byekwaso Ochama netted in each half through Arafat Usama Kizza and Ivan Irinimbabazi at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Byekwaso who himself played for Uganda at the 1999 African Games in South Africa led his side to an impressive start of the campaign. Kizza netted after 33 minutes, while Nigeria leveled matters two minutes later through Sadiq Muhammad Isiyaka.
After the interval, the Nigerian team attacked in numbers, but the Uganda Hippos absorbed the pressure. Irinimbabazi restored Uganda’s lead with a well taken goal after 81 minutes.
“This is a very good start and we want to keep the same momentum because this is a tournament that involves many matches,” said a happy Uganda Hippos coach after the match.
In the second Group B match the 2015 winners Senegal struggled to defeat debut making South Sudan 1-0. Mamadou Lamine Sadio netted the lone goal in the first half.
Uganda leads Group B on three points and a better goal difference than Senegal who also have the same number of points.
On March 11th, 2024 Uganda Hippos will return to action against Senegal, while Nigeria battle South Sudan. The CECAFA Zone is represented by Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia in the women’s category.