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Uganda’s Hippos to feature at AFCON U20 again

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By Ronald Lusulire

The Hippos successfully defended the regional title after overcoming South Sudan in the AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final, held in November at Al Hilal Stadium, Sudan.

Uganda had to come from a goal down to edge neighbours, South Sudan in what was a closely contested affair.

It should be noted that the two sides had already secured slots to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations slated for next year in Egypt, but were playing the final for honours.

Victory meant that Uganda successfully defended the CECAFA crown they won in 2020 in Tanzania.

Uganda Hippos played at U20 AFCON for the first time last year and defied odds to reach the final before losing 2-0 to eventual winners, Ghana.

The Hippos squad pose for a photo after registering their victory against South Sudan. (Photo/FUFA)

Talent export
The AFCON U20 tournament remains the biggest stage Uganda has used to export talent to the diaspora.

This was realized in the 2021 tournament in Mauritania as the Hippos shocked many to storm the finals before losing to Ghana U20.

Had it not been the Covid-19 pandemic that threw everyone in a break, the Hippos would have played at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

However, that did not stop a number of players who impressed at the tournament from landing lucrative deals.

From Steven Sserwanda (New York Red Bulls, USA), to Derrick Kakooza (Valmeira, Latvia), Azizi Kayondo (Real Monarchs, USA), Musa Ramathan (Cincinnati, USA), Richard Basangwa (Egypt), Gavin Kizito (Egypt), Bobosi Byaruhanga (UAE), Isma Mugulusi (Greece), among others, tasted the fruits of success of the 2021 edition in Mauritania.

Now is another opportunity for Uganda to export more talents after sealing qualification for the second time.

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