AFCON U20 Quarterfinals:
Thursday, February 25
*Cameroon 1-1 Ghana (Ghana progress on 4-2 penalty shootout)
*Burkina Faso 0-0 Uganda (Uganda progress on 5-3 penalty shootout)
Today, Friday, February 26
*Morocco Vs Tunisia
*Central Africa Vs Gambia
The Uganda Hippos defeated Burkina Faso to reach the semifinals of the Total Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Championship (AFCON) U20) in Mauritania.
The two sides played out a stalemate after extra time at at the Stade Cheikha Boidiya in Nouakchott before the penalties separated them, Uganda marking their debut with a last four spot.
Goalkeeper Komakech was the Hippos hero when he saved Yacouba Djiga’s spot kick to qualify for the semi-finals at the expense of the Young Stallions.
The Hippos, on their debut appearance on the continent, needed penalty shootouts to overcome the West African side.
Jack Komakech kept out Yacoub Djiga’s first penalty to set the tone before Kenneth Ssemakula scored a decisive kick to garner wild celebrations.
Derrick Kakooza, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere all scored their penalties.
Uganda were resilient and remained in character against a physically stronger side before later holding on in extra time to send the game into penalties.
The Hippos survived relentless attacks down the stretch, with Bamba Karamoko forcing Komakech into a low save at his near post as the game went into a grandstand finish.
Uganda, under Morley Byekwaso, will face winner between Morocco and Tunisia for a place in the final.
Ghana beat Cameroon in shootouts to storm the semifinal in the first quarter final game of the day
Uganda will now face winner between Morocco and Tunisia in a semi final that will be played out on Monday March 1.
Starting XI
Burkina Faso – Moussa Traore, Eric Chardey, Yashir Moustapha, Yocouba Djiga, Roland Sanou, Kouame Jean, Ibrahim Bance, Yves Clovis, Jofrey Bazie, Karamoko Bamba, Moubrack Compaore
Uganda Hippos – Jack Komakech, Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Kenneth Ssemakula, Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Asaba, Richard Basangwa, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Samuel Ssenyonjo
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