It appeared Uganda had a win wrapped up in Thursday’s second matchup from Group B at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations but the Hippos conceded in the second half to a ten-man Republic of Congo side, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Arnauvy Mombouli headed in the second half leveler after an excellent first half from Uganda gave the CECAFA U-20 champions a 2-1 halftime lead but the Hippos failed to use their numerical advantage following the sending off of Congolese captain Claude Ngongara. Group B is now wide open with Congo and Uganda tied with four points apiece ahead of matchups on Sunday against Central African Republic and South Sudan respectively.
Thursday’s second match continued an entertaining day in Egypt with rarely a dull moment. Uganda created the first chance within the opening five minutes with John Paul Dembe forcing a save from Congolese goalkeeper Christophe Wamba. Two minutes later Congo surprised their opponents with a perfect corner kick service from Prince Soussou finding an open Josna Loulendo to head in the opener.
Five minutes later Uganda leveled from a set piece of their own when Rogers Mugisha’s direct free kick from the left wing was spilled by Wamba to Titus Ssematimba who turned in from a tight angle. The Hippos took the lead in the 33rd minute after Saidi Mayanja finished from a low cross by Uganda playmaker and captain Isma Mugulusi. An incident after the halftime whistle led to a confrontation between the teams after Ngongara intentionally stepped on the foot of Mayanja leading to a red card and Congo being reduced to ten players.
It was hard to notice the numerical disadvantage in the second half as the Congolese played inspired football, taking the match to Uganda who struggled to assert themselves. Shortly after Dembe spoiled an excellent one-on-one opportunity to put Uganda beyond reach, the Hippos’ set piece marking failed them again when Mombouli got on the end of another precise Soussou corner kick service to head in a stunning 72nd equalizer. It is a big result for Congo who have the easier matchup on Sunday against Central African Republic and can win the group with a victory.
Highlights are below followed by the video of the red card incident involving Ngongara.
Congo captain Claude Ngongara stomps on the leg of Uganda’s Saidi Mayanja after the whistle for halftime
