The CECAFA U20 bound team got a real test when they lost 3-1 to StarTimes FUFA Big League side Jinja Municipal Council Hippos on Sunday morning at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
All goals came in the first half of the game with Umar Kyeyune grabbing a brace, Ibrahim Nsimbe completed the scoring for JMC. Kirinya Jinja SSS Junior team’s Ismail Mugulusi scored the lone goal for the Hippos.
Coaches Jackson Magera and Hamuza Lutalo decided to field the lads who were not in Tanzania for the AFCON Zonal qualifiers, they appeared unstable amidst their tranquil display while passing and crossing the ball.
It would be completely suicidal to blame them because it was their first National team engagement.
The second half got tricky for the more experienced JMC side after the coaches changed the entire team and introduced the boys who were part of the squad which qualified for AFCON U17 finals.
The Hippos will have Idd Abdulwahid, Sekajja Davis to blame because of the several chances they squandered and Ibrahim Juma for failure to convert from the spot won midway the second half.
“We asked the boys to go and express themselves because it is what we train them, they never disappointed and it’s what they did, we are happy and impressed,” assistant coach two Hamuza Lutalo told www.football-256.com.
Lutalo also noted that such practice matches against more experienced players helps the boys to grow mentally and physically thus gain a competitive advantage in the long run when they meet their age mates.
The CECAFA U20 tournament is expected to kickoff on January 14th, 2019 14th in Jinja and Gulu if there are no changes according to our inside sources.
The Cubs starting XI : Jackson Komakech, Jonathan Odong, Innocent Opira, John Rogers, Shafik Waswanga, Yasin Mukiibi, Ismail Mugulusi, Andrew Kawooya, Rogers Mugisha, Polycarp Mwaka, Yasin Owane (Derrick Lubega)
Second Half XI: Delton Oyo (GK), Kevin Ssekibenga, Samson Kasozi, Gavin Kizito, Juma Ibrahim, Ronnie Ziraba, Najib Yiga, Iddi Abdul Wahid, John Kokas Alou & David Sekajja
Used Substitutes: Ivan Asaba, Daniel Semwogerere, Eric Kaweesi, & Ibrahim Ekellot .
JMC XI: Martin Bbaale (GK), Brian Ssali, Derrick Basoga, Abu Namonyo, Abubakari Otwao, Alexander Makowe, Umar Kyeyune, John Gabula, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Thomas Ochungo & Amos Kairm.
Reserves: Andrew Ssekandi (GK), Jospeh Wahampi, Ivan Kameze, Musa Magumba, Lucky Akadinda, Jamiru Bulengere, Hassan Ssebowa, Augustin Olowo.
