U-20 AFCON: Uganda’s performance should motivate Cecafa members – Auka Gacheo

The Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Auka Gacheo has praised Uganda Hippos for the good show at the just concluded U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Uganda Hippos who were making their debut in the tournament lost 2-0 to Ghana’s Black Satellites in the final played on Sunday in Mauritania.

“As a region we are extremely elated that we had a team in the final of the Afcon U-20. It speaks volumes of the hard work and commitment that FUFA have put behind development of football in the grass roots and age grade football,” said Auka.

He made it clear that this should serve as a great motivation to the other Member Associations in the region to grow and develop age grade football with the long term aim of the region competing in the African and global stages. “We are extremely proud of the way Uganda has showcased the region,” added the Cecafa Executive Director.

Uganda Hippos under coach Morley Byekwaso won four games out of the six matches played at the U-20 Afcon. They opened the campaign with a 2-0 win against Mozambique before they lost 1-0 to Cameroon.

Byekwaso’s team recovered to beat hosts Mauritania 2-1 and qualify for the quarter final stage. At the quarter final stage the Hippos battled to eject Burkina Faso 5-3 in penalty shootouts after a goalless draw. They went on to humble Tunisia 4-1 in the semi-final before losing to Ghana in the final. Byekwaso was also voted the best coach in the tournament.

The Serengeti Boys of Tanzania also represented the Cecafa region at the U-20 Afcon where they failed to make it out of the Group stage. Tanzania settled for a 1-1 draw against Gambia, but lost 4-0 to Ghana and 3-0 to Morocco.