Uganda Cranes electric winger Abdu Lumala has applauded the Uganda U-20 Men national team, the Uganda Hippos, for their commendable performance at the just concluded African Games in Ghana.
Lumala, who just completed his move to Croatian top-tier side NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica was impressed with the Ugandan youngstars’ second place finish at the continental showpiece – the best ever since finishing 4th in 1999.
The former Vipers and Pyramids player predicts that the Hippos have bright careers ahead of them – they won all their games at the very competitive tournament, except the final which they narrowly lost to hosts Ghana, settling for silver.
“Proud of this team, THE MIGHTY HIPPOS ❤️,” Lumala expressed before affirming;
“The future is bright.”
Uganda beat Nigeria (2-1), Senegal (1-0) and South Sudan (1-0) to top Group B with maximum nine points, before staging a remarkable comeback defeat Congo 4-2 in the semifinal.
In the final, Uganda’s Morley Byekwaso coached Hippos defended well throughout the 90 minutes, before just a second of losing concentration saw them concede a stoppage time goal courtesy of Jerry Afriyie, and the hosts clinched the title.
Bruno Bunyaga (twice), Abasi Kyeyune, Hakim Mutebi, Usama Arafat, Ivan Irinimbabazi, Allan Oyirwoth and Apollo Kagogwe scored Uganda’s eight goals at the tournament.
The 20-Man Uganda Hippos Squad At The 2023 African Games in Ghana:
Goalkeepers;
Abdul Magada (Gaddafi FC), Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Humphrey Oyirwoth (Bukedea Comprehensive School)
Defenders;
Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes), Enock Luyima (Vipers SC), Ronald Madoi (SFK Pierikos), Apollo Kagogwe (Wakiso Giants FC), Cyrus Kibande(SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Midfielders;
Innocent Kisolo (URA FC), Ivan Irinimbabazi (SFK Pierikos), Allan Oyirwoth (Brook House College), Hakim Mutebi (SC Villa)
Forwards;
Abbas Kyeyune (SC Villa), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafiq Magogo (Kitara FC), Alpha Thiery Ssali (Express FC), Bruno Bunyaga (URA FC)
