The Uganda Hippos, reigning champions of the U20 TotalEnergies AFCON Zonal Qualifiers, will begin their title defence this evening with a highly anticipated match against Ethiopia in Group B. The game is scheduled to take place at the Azam Complex at 6:00 PM.
Head coach Mathias Lule has expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and is optimistic about their chances. “We are ready for this tournament, and the boys are in perfect shape to face any team. Our preparations have been perfect, and we just call upon Ugandans to rally behind us in this journey,” Lule remarked.
Team captain Toto Majub echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s readiness following intense training sessions both at home and during camp.
“We have had excellent training from the technical team, both here and back home at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. What is left is for us players to hit the pitch and deliver,” Majub stated.
In the other Group B fixture, South Sudan will face Burundi earlier in the day at the KMC Stadium.
The top two teams from the group stage will advance to the semifinals, with both finalists securing spots in the U20 AFCON final tournament.
