The Uganda U20 national football team, the Uganda Hippos, secured a 2-1 victory over Lugazi FC in a friendly match on Saturday at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
This win marks their second consecutive triumph as they intensify preparations for the upcoming AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers scheduled for next month in Tanzania.
The Hippos made an early statement with goals from 18-year-old promising talent Alex Yiga in the 4th minute and Express FC and Bukedea Comprehensive’s Elvis Ssekajugo in the 13th minute, establishing a strong 2-0 lead.
Lugazi’s Birungi Alvin, who is also aged 18, pulled one back in the 78th minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Hippos a well-earned win.
This victory follows the Hippos’ emphatic 7-1 win over Wembley FC in their first friendly on Friday, also at Njeru.
Both matches are part of the team’s preparation under Coach Matia Lule as they aim to defend their title at the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from October 6-20, 2024.
The Uganda Hippos won the 2022 edition after defeating South Sudan in the final, and will again face their 2022 counterparts in Group B.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the two finalists earning a spot at the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament.
