Uganda had a perfect start at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt as they edged out the Central African Republic with a 2-0 victory in the opening match in Group B.Isma Mugulusi led his side by example as he scored the opener early in the second half before John Paul Dembe added the second one with Boris Gbenou scoring the consolation for the Central African Republic deep in stoppage time.Both teams were cautious in the first half, and their approach saw the period end barren.##NAJAVA_MECA_7031942##On resumption, Uganda came back the stronger side and even had a goal disallowed inside the first minute of the second half for an offside.They knocked once again and this time the goal did count as captain Isma Mugulusi opened the scoring with a clever finish, leading by example. Titus Ssematimba headed the ball toward goal from a corner, with Mugulusi having the final touch to see Uganda lead.At the hour mark, Central Africa Republic’s coach was the first to make changes as he brought in Juvenal Pouguy and Noah Kevin Ato-Zandanga for Alban Goyema and Toure Mamfeina as they sought to grab an equalizer.Uganda responded 10 minutes later by introducing Patrick Kakande in place of Travis Mutyaba, a forward for a midfielder as coach Jackson Mayanja sought to go for more goals to cement the top spot.#UGACAR | Fulltime! Uganda 2-1 Central African Republic#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/B7H8fgGGjJ— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 20, 2023 Three minutes after their first change, Uganda doubled their advantage through John Paul Dembe with a well-taken goal. Defender Apollo Kagongwe hit a long ball over the opposing defenders, with Dembe bringing the ball under his control before twisting past a CAR defender and going for the top corner with a curling effort.Central Africa Republic’s coach Sebastien Ngato responded by making another double change as Romeo Quagole and Tony Marley Biakolo came on for Christin Banam and Veillance Gbamodo with 11 minutes left to play in regular time.Spain-based Ibrahim Juma had two chances to score from two different set-pieces outside the box but the left-back saw both his chances thwarted by Mauril Stephane Abimala in goal.Boris Gbenou grabbed the consolation in the third minute of stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Uganda to poke the ball into the net but it was not enough to help them salvage a point.
