Kakooza breaks Mauritania hearts as Uganda qualify for quarter finals
Substitute Derrick Kakoozaâs ice cold 88th minute penalty handed Uganda a 2-1 victory over hosts Mauritania at the Stade de Olympique in Nouakchott on Saturday as the CECAFA region debutants progressed to the quarter finals of the Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides needed victory to assure passage to the last eight, but it was Uganda who would pick the ultimate prize coming from behind to win the tie and seal second spot. The host nation will now have to wait till the final round of Group C matches to know if they progress as one of the two best third placed teams.
Sunday lone strike sends Cameroon to U-20 AFCON quarters
Sunday Jang Junior scored a delightful header as Cameroon beat Uganda 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott on Wednesday to see the young
Indomitable Lions become the first side to book a slot in the quarter finals of the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Mauritania 2021.
The young lions negotiated their passage to the last eight against Ugandaâs Hippos who had some of the best chances but failed to make them count.
Jang Junior was Cameroonâs hero once again glancing in a deflected corner past the helpless Ugandan keeper on the half hour mark to register his second goal of the tournament.
Uganda, Cameroon face off in top of Group A clash
A place in the quarter final will be on the line when Group A leaders Uganda and Cameroon square it out at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott on Wednesday.
Both teams began their campaign with victories, Cameroon beating hosts Mauritania 1-0 on the opening day of the tournament before Uganda won 2-0 against fellow debutants Mozambique a day later to move top of the group on goal difference.
And on Wednesday, whoever wins the tough clash will set one foot into the quarter finals as it will take them to six points with just one group match remaining.
Uganda beats Mozambique to top Group A
The Hippos of Uganda beat Mozambique 2-0 in Nouakchott to top Group A of the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Mauritania 2021.
Goals from Derrick Kakooza and Steven Sserwadda were enough for the CECAFA champions to start their campaign with a victory.
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The Cranes clinch all three points in their first group stage match of #TotalAFCONU20! â #UGAMOZpic.twitter.com/oMgrt3vgde #TotalAFCONU20 (@CAF Online) February 15, 2021
The Hippos broke the deadlock ten minutes into second half courtesy of Kakooza s penalty before Sserwadda won it with a stupendous strike three minutes from time.
Daily Monitor
Wednesday February 03 2021
Polishing Skills. Striker Kakooza shows off his dribbling skills during training at the MTN Omondi Stadium. PHOTO/J. BATANUDDE
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It is two months since the national Under-20 team Hippos faced off with their Tanzanian counterparts.
The meeting was in the final of the Cecafa Under-20 tournament, which the Hippos won 4-1 against the hosts. They meet again this evening this time with both nations preparing for the Afcon Under-20 tournament.
Coach Morley Byekwaso’s side will play Tanzania in two friendlies games after Namibia pulled out at the 11th hour.
That, he hopes will be sufficient preparation for the final tournament running February 14 – March 6, 2021 in Mauritania.