Uganda U20 aim to finish job in Ghana

Published on: 30 July 2012

The Uganda Under-20 national football team’s 3-1 win over Ghana has put them in a fairly good position to make it through to the last phase of qualification for the 2013 African Youth Championship.

A brace from forward Julius Ogwang sandwiched by Joseph Mpande’s finish was enough to see off the highly-fancied Ghanaians in the first round of qualification.

The Hippos had eliminated Mozambique 5-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round. However, it all started on a sour note at Nakivubo stadium when Ugandan skipper Yusuf Mukisa gifted Ghana the lead with a miscued clearance after just five minutes.

However, Paul Nkata’s boys didn’t panic and pressed on. For one, Joseph Ocaya looked meticulous at left-back with his dribbling and passing.

His forays upfront would have raised the rooftop of Nakivubo if only the stadium had one. But on several occasions fans got out of their seats to cheer on his expressive and confident play.

Meanwhile, Vietnam-based Geoffrey Kizito didn’t have the same wow effect but his decisiveness and control of midfield, coupled with power that subjugated Ghana’s midfield from passing, make him a good bet for a Cranes call-up in the near future.

Generally, the whole team played well and Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu admitted as much although he remained optimistic his team would turn the tables in the return leg.

Coach Nkata remains cautious and maintains his team still have a lot to do because it will be a different ball game away in a fortnight’s time.

The winner of the tie will most likely face Morocco – 4-0 winners over Gambia in the last phase of qualification.

John Vianney Nsimbe, Observer

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more