AFCON U20: Uganda Hippos eliminate Tunisia to reach maiden final

Uganda Hippos have eliminated Tunisia to reach the finals of the Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The two sides locked horns in the semifinal encounter at Stade Olympique in Nouakchott on Monday night and Uganda won the game 4-1 to reach its first ever final on first appearance.

Gigantic forward Richard Basangwa sent Uganda into the lead just after four minutes before Derrick Kakooza sealed the victory with a hat-trick having scored in 36, 50 and 73 minutes.

Uganda has become the surprise package of the tournament after hiking every step to progress to the finals.

The Morley Byekwaso coached side will be looking to continue their dream run in the tournament till the final day on 6th March 2021 when they meet Ghana who eliminated Gambia 1-0.

They came up against a Tunisia side, eagerly plotting success of their own and a dream ran in the tournament as well after dismissing Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw in the quarters in Nouadhibou.

Uganda’s movement and passing style of play has proved to work in all their matches and they came up in the same manner against an uncharacteristically physical and hard working Tunisian team.

Uganda’s strength so far in the tournament has been a crisp midfield and the most consistent name in the team sheet has been Bobosi Byaruhanga.

The 19-year old Vipers SC midfielder has been immense for the East Africans especially with his ball distribution skills.

Uganda booked a placed in the last four after a 5-3 post-match penalties win over a tough Burkina Faso side at the Stade Cheikha Ould Bodiya.

Tunisia on the other hand played Morocco in a highly charged North African derby in the quarter finals and emerged victorious via spot kicks.