Uganda Hippos Secure Bronze with Win Over Burundi
After disappointingly missing out on the AFCON U20 final tournament following their semifinal loss to hosts Tanzania, Uganda ended the tournament on a positive note.
The Uganda Hippos defeated Burundi 3-1 in the third-place playoff game to claim the bronze medal.
In the game played at the KMC Stadium in Tanzania, Uganda came from a goal down to beat Burundi.
Ramazani Hakizimana gave Burundi the lead, but substitute Abubakar Walusimbi netted the equalizer at the end of the first half.
In the second half, goal poacher John Paul Dembe scored a brace to seal Uganda’s comeback and secure the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, hosts Tanzania defeated Kenya 2-1 to win the title, but both teams had already qualified for the AFCON U20 final tournament, scheduled to take place in January 2025 in Cameroon.
Uganda’s Lineup vs. Burundi:
Uganda XI: Dennis Mugerwa (GK), Toto Majub (C), Steven Namaisi, Sowedi Lwenda, Louis Anguti, Figo Rayn Kizito, John Paul Ddembe, Charles Batiibwe Okello, Bashir Mansur, Godfrey Sekibengo, Elvis Ssekajugo
Substitutes: Denis Mugerwa, Ronald Nsubuga, Johnson Kabagambe, Denis Kisiriko Luzige, Swabiri Mpasa, Abdu Magada, Abubakali Walusimbi, John Innocent Kisolo, Allan Oyirwoth, Richard Okello