Uganda’s U-20 side, the Hippos have reached the semifinals of the AFCON U-20 championship on their debut appearance. The under-age competition is being hosted by Mauritania. The Hippos managed to move past Burkina Faso beating the West Africans 5-3 on penalties.

The regulation 90 minutes had ended goalless and extra time also didn’t produce any goals for either side.

Uganda was perfect on kicks from the penalty mark, converting all the five while goalkeeper Jack Komakech made the difference by keeping out Djiga Yacouba’s effort.

Ivan Asaba in action against Burkina Faso Credit: CAF

Derrick Kakooza who has scored twice at the tournament opened the gateway for Uganda sending goalkeeper Traore Moussa the wrong way.

Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Najib Yiga and Ivan Bogere followed in that order before defender Kenneth Ssemakula took the decisive penalty.

Uganda XI: Jack Komakech (Gk), Kizito Gavin, Abdu Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Kenneth Semakula, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi, Ivan Asaba, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Richard Basangwa