In a remarkable turn of events, Uganda’s U20 football team secured a stunning upset by defeating powerhouse Nigeria 2-1 in a gripping Group B encounter at the African Games held in Accra on Thursday.
Displaying admirable resilience and skill, Uganda took the lead with Kiza Usama’s goal in the 33rd minute. Despite Nigeria’s Sadiq Muhammad equalizing in the 37th minute, Uganda remained undeterred.
The Ugandan team’s determination paid off when Ivan Irinibabazi struck in the 81st minute, sealing the unexpected victory and sparking scenes of jubilation among the players and fans alike.
In another Group B fixture, former champions Senegal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Sudan. Mamadou Lamine Sadio’s first-half goal proved decisive, underlining Senegal’s pedigree in continental competitions.
While South Sudan made their debut in the football competition, Senegal’s seasoned squad, featuring players from their U17 World Cup-winning team, demonstrated their experience under the guidance of coach Serigne Saliou Dia.
Senegal’s triumph positions them as strong contenders for further success in the tournament, adding to their impressive record in African Games history.
As the competition intensifies, anticipation grows for upcoming fixtures. Nigeria is set to face South Sudan in their next group game, while Uganda braces for a challenging encounter against Senegal, promising more enthralling football action.
The excitement continues with host nation Ghana facing Congo, and Gambia squaring off against Benin on Friday, offering fans a captivating spectacle at the African Games.