Uganda’s U20 football squad, the Uganda Hippos, suffered a 1-0 loss against their Ethiopian counterparts in the Dire Cup at the Dire Dawa International Stadium, on Sunday.
20-year-old forward Biniam Ayten, who plays for Ethiopian side Adama City netted the winner for the home side in the 68th minute with the away side failing to find the net.
Head Coach Morley Byekwaso named a starting eleven of Abdul Magada (Gaddafi FC) guarding the goal, with Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes), Cyrus Kibande (SC Villa), and Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) forming the defensive line, with Torach also serving as captain.
Innocent Kisolo (URA FC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), and Allan Oyirwoth (Brook House College) formed the midfield three, while Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC), Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), and Bruno Bunyaga (URA FC) spearheaded the attack.
Originally slated to happen from February 24th to 28th and feature four teams, the tournament was reduced to a single match following the withdrawals of Kenya and Djibouti.
Participating in the tournament is one of the tactics to prepare the Uganda Hippos for the upcoming African Games 2024, scheduled to take place from March 8th to 23rd in Ghana. Uganda, with a rich history in the Games dating back to 1965, has accumulated a total of eighty-seven medals, which include twenty-two gold and twenty-one silver medals.
Fans can catch all the action live on NBS Sport as the journey continues for Uganda’s talented young footballers.
