Uganda Hippos return into action tonight against hosts Sudan in the semi finals at the ongoing CECAFA AFCON U20 Zonal Qualifiers in Sudan.
It will be the first time in the tournament that the Hippos will be playing on artificial turf at Kober stadium.
Nothing but qualification to the final AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt next year is what Uganda will be aiming at having tasted the fruits in the previous edition in Mauritania, 2021.
Against the hosts Sudan, the Hippos face a huge mountain to climb who finished top in Group A.
Interim head Coach Jackson is however positive they will do the needful to seal qualification.
“We are well of the task before us and what our target is. We are playing on artificial turf but this is not an issue because we have played on it before at home. This is an important match for us and we shall give our best.”
Skipper Isma Mugulusi expressed his delight for returning and hopes his experience here will count.
“I thank God we are in the semis, everyone knows the importance of this game and as a player I will give all I can to ensure we go through because playing at the AFCON will be another opportunity for us to market ourselves just like we did in Mauritania.”
Uganda finished runners up in group B behind Ethiopia while Sudan topped group A.
In the other semi final match, South Sudan with face off against Ethiopia.
The two finalists will represent CECAFA region at the 2023 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.
