Hippos look to seal progress
Uganda go into Saturday's final leg of the Africa Youth Championship qualifier against Ghana knowing anything but a 2-0 loss will see them progress to the final round.
The Hippos, as the under 20 national side are called, carry a two-goal advantage to Tamale Stadium in Ghana Paul Nkata's side having beaten Maxwell Konadu's Black Satellites 3-1 in Kampala.
Julius Ogwang's brace and a goal by Joseph Mpande at Nakivubo ensured the Hippos went to Ghana odds on favourites to advance.
But Nkata has warned his boys against complacency saying the tie is far from over.
"It's an open tie which is far from done,” said Nkata, “We have to respect our opponents because they will also be eager to get a win.”
“But the boys are determined. If it’s attacking we shall attack if it’s defending we shall also do that but we are not going out to just defend.”
The winners will face Morocco, who got a bye after Gambia’s withdrawal, in the final round in September. Algeria will host the finals next year.
Yusuf Mukisa and company at the back have the herculean task of stopping Satellite’s striking duo of Benjamin Annan Fadi and Michael Anaba, who scored their only goal at Nakivubo.
Nkata is likely to deploy URA’s Erisa Ssekisambu and Proline’s William Wadri to search for goals.
Probable XI
Goalkeeper: Salim Jamal
Defenders: Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Misi katende, Yusuf Mukisa (C)
Midfielders: Geoffrey “Baba” Kizito, Joseph Mpande, Ali Gift Gigi, Julius Ogwang, Robert Omunuk
Strikers: Erisa Ssekisambu
Subs: William Wadri, Simon Namwanja, Emma Kalyowa, Sam Ssenkoomi, Khalid Aucho, Fred Nkata, Denis Bigala
