AFCON U20: Komakech heroics sends Uganda into semis

Goalkeeper Jack Komakech was the Hippos hero when he saved Yacouba Djiga’s spot kick to qualify for the AFCON U20 semi-finals in the expense of the Young Stallions.

Debutants Uganda beat Burkina Faso 5-3 on post-match penalties at the Stade Cheikha Boidiya in Nouakchott to qualify for the Total Africa U-20 Cup of Nations semi-finals.

The two sides played to a goalless stalemate under the beaming floodlights in Nouakchott before penalties separated them, Uganda marking their debut with a last four spot.

Goalkeeper Jack Komakech was the hero in the penalty shoot out when he saved Yacoub’s kick from the spot.

For Uganda, all the players that were selected got their efforts converted to help the team win 5-3.

Derrick Kakooza who has scored two goals at the tournament so far left the way sending the goalkeeper the wrong.

He was followed by Joseph Kizza Bukenya then Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere who all came on as substitutes also converted.

Defender Kenneth Ssemakula did the icing on the cake with the final take that crawled past the Burkinabe goalkeeper.

They will now face winner between Morocco and Tunisia in Monday’s semi-final in Nouakchott.