Sinan Rajub SENOGA
The Uganda Hippos beat Nigeria 2-1 on the opening day of the All Africa Games on Thursday at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.
KCCA’s Arafati Usama and Greece based Ivan Irinimbabazi scored the goals for the Morley Byekwaso coached team.
Usama broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a brilliant finish from an Allan Oyirwoth assist.
However the lead shortlived as Nigeria equalized level matters three minutes later through Sadiq Muhammad Isiyaka who headed perfectly from a corner kick.
The second half saw both teams attempting for a possible winner which Uganda eventually got in the final 10 minutes.
Usama set up Irinimbabazi who exquisitely scored with a long range low strike in the 80th minute.
10 minutes before Irinimbabazi’s winner, Byekwaso was forced to a change as defender Ronald Madoi went off injured and was replaced by SC Villa’s Cyrus Kibande.
The closing stages of the game saw Byekwaso making more changes as Hakim Mutebi, Alpha Thierry Ssali and replaced Patrick Innocent Kisolo replaced Patrick Jonah Kakande, Usama Arafati and Abasi Kyeyune respectively.
The Hippos now lead Group B with three points, same as Senegal who beat South Sudan in the early kick-off.
The Hippos will return to action on Monday 11th March against Senegal at the same venue.
Uganda Hippos XI; Abdu Magada (GK), Haruna Lukwago, Ibrahim Juma, Ronald Madoi (Cyrus Kibande), Rogers Torach (C), Ivan Irinimbabazi, Abasi Kyeyune, Allan Oyirwoth, Bruno Bunyaga, Arafat Kizza Usama(Alpha Thiery Ssali), Jonah Patrick Kakande (Hakim Mutebi)
