Victory over Burundi a big step in Byekwaso’s efforts to win over doubting fans

Morley Byekwaso took a big step in his efforts to win over doubting Uganda Hippos fans by overseeing a stunning 6-1 victory over Burundi in their second group B duel played at the Shiekh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha on Wednesday.

Byekwaso made two lineup changes to team that played against South Sudan, one mandated by the absence of suspended Musa Ramathan who got a direct red card against South Sudan for unsporting conduct.

Isma Mugulusi and striker Ivan Bogere who started on the bench against South Sudan during the goal-less draw were handed their first starts in the place of suspended Musa Ramathan and benched Raymond Onyai who started in the team that picked a point off South Sudan on Monday.

Everything happened very quickly in this encounter, however Burundi were overwhelmed by the Hippos possession and continuous dangerous attacks as Uganda Hippos missed a number of glorious goal scoring opportunities.

However, this was only a postponement as the Hippos seized on their opponents sloppiness to launch attacks and in the 43rd minute Ivan Bogere marked his first start in this year’s tournament with a goal and barely a minute, Najib Yiga returned with a clinical finish on the stroke of half time and made it two for the Byekwaso coached side.

After the break, with suspense already killed, the game became duller with Uganda Hippos in full control of the game but with continuous failure to aggravate the scoring on several occasions.

But Ivan Bogere was insatiable and from a penalty kick, he made his daily counter a double before Isma Mugulusi registered his name on the score sheet with the fourth and fifth, adding to Burundi’s misery, substitute Joseph Bukenya scored the sixth goal for Uganda Hippos.

Kevin Icoyitungiye’s strike in the added minutes was barely consolation on an infamous day in Burundi U-20 history.

The comprehensive win took Uganda Hippos to the top of Group B with four points, Byekwaso and his men are only waiting for the final group game between Burundi and South Sudan on Friday to know their fate in the tournament.

Uganda U-20 XI Vs Burundi:

Jack Komakech (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Captain), Aziz Kayondo, Kenneth Semakula, Isma Mugulusi, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Richard Basangwa, Najib Yiga, Ivan Bogere, Ivan Asaba

Substitutes: Denis Ssenyondwa Kaala (G.K), Richard Bbosa, Joseph Kizza Bukenya, Ashiraf Mulindi, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Faisal Wabyoona, Raymond Onyai, Joseph Kafumbe.

The top teams from each of the three groups will qualify for the semi-finals together with the best second placed team from the groups.