African Games: Uganda Set Up Final Clash With Ghana After Spirited Fightback Win Against Congo

African Games: Uganda Set Up Final Clash With Ghana After Spirited Fightback Win Against Congo

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
March 19, 2024 at 10:45 PM
In this article:
CAF African Games logo
CAF African Games
Africa
Uganda logo
Uganda
Uganda
24
Uganda U20 logo
Uganda U20
Uganda
16
Republic of the Congo logo
Congo
Congo
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Congo U20 logo
Congo U20
Congo
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Ghana U20 logo
Ghana U20
Ghana
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  • Uganda clinched a final spot in men's football at the African Games
  • The East Africans overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Congo Brazzaville
  • They will face the host nation, Ghana, in the final on March 22

Uganda's remarkable journey in the 13th African Games continued as they orchestrated a stunning comeback to secure their place in the final of the men's football tournament.

The Hippos needed four second-half goals to stage the unlikeliest comebacks to seal a 4-2 win against Congo Brazzaville in an enthralling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, March 19.

Uganda, Hippos, African Games, men's football, Congo, Ghana.
Bruno Bunyaga celebrates his goal as he helped Uganda overturn a 2-0 deficit against Congo. Photo credit: @OfficialFUFA.
Source: Twitter

How Uganda stunned Congo to pick final ticket

Facing off against Congo Brazzaville at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, March 19, the Hippos found themselves trailing after Servyi Akouala opened the scoring for Congo early in the match, as noted by Kawowo Sports.

Their opponents further solidified their lead with a goal from Mignon Koto just before halftime.

Uganda net four second half goals

However, Uganda refused to be disheartened and mounted a spirited resurgence in the second half. Abasi Kyeyune ignited the comeback with a goal in the 60th minute, injecting newfound energy and determination into the Hippos' side.

Ten minutes later, Bruno Bunyaga levelled the score, and shortly thereafter, he found the net again to put the East African side ahead for the first time in the match.

With momentum firmly on their side, Hakim Mutebi sealed the victory for coach Morely Byekwaso's charges, completing the remarkable comeback and securing Uganda's historic berth in the final.

This victory marked the first time Uganda had advanced to the final of the men's competition at the African Games.

Uganda's fairytale run to the final

Having emerged as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, Uganda now stands just one game away from potentially clinching a historic gold medal.

Throughout their campaign, they have showcased their attacking prowess, scoring the most goals in the tournament (8).

Despite conceding three goals, Uganda's resilience and determination have propelled them to the brink of glory in the African Games.

Uganda's women's team narrowly miss finals

While the men's team advanced to the final, Uganda's women's team narrowly missed out after Nigeria defeated them in the semi-finals on Monday, March 18 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, as reported by Sports Brief.

Second-half goals from substitutes Adaobi Okah and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu propelled Nigeria into the competition's final.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Uganda will have a chance to claim the bronze medal in the third-place match against Senegal.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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