The Uganda U20 Men’s National Team has concluded their group stage journey at the ongoing TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against South Sudan.
In the match held at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Uganda took a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime, but South Sudan mounted a spirited comeback to level the score.
Despite the draw, Uganda had already secured a place in the semifinals and needed just a point to confirm their top spot in Group B.
Coach Matia Lule made four changes to the lineup that triumphed over Burundi two days earlier, bringing in Charles Batiibwe, Sowedi Lwenda, John Innocent Kisolo, and Bashir Mansur.
Uganda’s star forward, John Paul Dembe, continued his impressive form in the tournament, netting both of Uganda’s goals in the first half.
South Sudan, however, responded with a goal from Emmanuel Sokwa just before the break, and in the dying moments of the game, Valentino found the back of the net to complete their comeback.
The result saw Uganda finish as Group B leaders with 7 points, narrowly edging out Burundi, who finished second with 6 points.
Uganda Starting XI: Abdu Magada, Charles Batiibwe, Swabiri Mpasa, Majub Toto, Lwenda Sowedi, John Innocent Kisolo, Figo Rayn Kizito, Bashir Mansur, John Paul Dembe, Allan Oyirwoth, Richard Okello
