Uganda’s National Under-20 team, the Hippos have kicked off their 2023 Total-Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-1 win over Central African Republic in a match played at Suez Canal Authority Stadium on Monday.
Team Captain Isma Mugulusi and John Paul Dembe’s goals helped Coach Jackson Mayanja secure a perfect start in the 12-team tournament where they are participating for the second successive time.
Boris Gbenou got the consolation goal for the Central African Republic.
The win takes Uganda to three points on top of group B together with Congo Brazzaville who also stopped South Sudan by the same margin.
Uganda will now have two days of rest and will return to action on Thursday for their second group game against Congo Brazzaville.
The U-20 AFCON also serves as a qualifier for the Under-20 World Cup 2023, with the best four teams qualifying for the tournament later in Indonesia.
Uganda’s team will just need to reach the semifinals to clinch a place in the World Cup.
