By Denis Turyahebwa
Cameroon battled hard to overcome a talented Ugandan Hippos as the two teams faced off in a group A second match encounter at the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations where it ended 1-0 in favour of Cameroon.
READ ALSO: AFCON U-20: Brilliant Hippos Cruise Passed Mozambique 2-0 On Debut
Sunday Junior Jang’s goal in the 31st minute was the difference between the two sides at the Stade Olympique on Wednesday 17th February 2021.
The junior lion’s skipper who also netted in the first game against the hosts Mauritania headed home in the 31st minute to guide Cameroon to their second victory that sent them top of group A with six points and a goal difference of two and also with no goal conceded so far.
READ ALSO: Africa: Uganda Edge Tanzania In U-20 AFCON Warm Up!
Morley Byekwaso returned the unchanged starting eleven that won against Mozambique in the debut with hopes of coordination by the players to stun the well organized Cameroon but things didn’t work out.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s set-piece weakness cost them three points after Jang perfectly put the ball in the Hippos net from a diving header which later became the decisive goal of the game.
READ ALSO: AFCON: Uganda Hippos Drawn In Group A, Byekwaso Vows To Crush Opponents
On the other hand, Cameroon had a wonderful first half with a dominating performance but later in the second half, Uganda turned the story and ran the field but was unlucky in front of the goal.
Byekwaso made changes bringing on danger man Ivan Asaba and Steven Sseruwadda replacing Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere. Moments later, Derrick Kakooza was subbed off for Sam Ssenyonjo while Joseph Kizza Bukenya and Ivan Eyamu replaced Isma Mugulusi and Richard Basangwa respectively all in pursuit of an equaliser but all in vain.
READ ALSO: AFCON U20 Finals: Uganda Hippos’ Coach Byekwaso Unveils Provisional Squad Of 38 Players
Uganda plays against the hosts Mauritania in the final game of the group on Saturday a match the Hippos must win if they are to qualify for the next round whereas Cameroon locks horns with Mozambique looking forward to topping the group with maximum points.
