Uganda Hippos will tonight take on South Sudan in the final of the CECAFA U20 Zonal qualifiers at Al Hilal Stadium, Sudan.
Despite both nations sealing qualification at the final AFCON tournament in Egypt next year, they come into this encounter eager to lift the regional trophy.
The Hippos are boosted by the return of full backs Haruna Lukwago and Simon Ssemayange from COVID-19 after testing negative ahead of the final while Ibrahim Kasinde and Abasi Kyeyune are still out for the same case.
Head Coach Jackson Mayanja urged his troops to go out serious and ready to battle South Sudan so they can lift the trophy.
“We have already qualified yes but we want to wrap it up in style with victory against South Sudan and this means we have to fight hard on the pitch because we know our opponents are a strong team as well.”
Left back Ibrahim Juma believes lifting the trophy will be very motivating to the entire team and country.
“We already qualified and now our focus as a team is to lift the trophy. This is what we want now and it will motivate us and the nation at large.”
It should be noted that the Hippos are the defending champions having defeated hosts then Tanzania 4-1 in 2020.