AFCON U20: Derrick Kakooza Incredible Hat-trick Guides Hippos To Maiden Final

The incredible Hippo, Derick Kakooza netted hat-trick to guide Morley Byekwaso boys to their maiden Africa Cup of Nations final.

The Police FC youngster has so far recorded five goals on his name and the three came in a semifinal fixture where Uganda Hippos thumped Tunisia 4-1 on Monday night at Stade Olympique De Nouakchott in Mauritania.

The journey to Uganda’s history of reaching maiden final at Continent level started four minutes inside first half when Richard Basangwa gave the Hippos an early lead before anticipated tournament MVP Derrick Kakooza doubled the lead for hippos in 36th minute.

Tunisia got a consolation six minutes to half time break through Adam Karim Benlamine, but since it was mission possible for Byekwaso’s boys, five minutes into second half, Kakooza bounced back with a terrific header that stretched Uganda’s lead with a difference of two goals before he sealed his hat-trick with a press in the 73rd minute.

Kakooza was one of the two changes made by Morley Byekwaso from the team that started against Burkina Faso in the quarter finals, goes top of the leading scorers chart with five goals. His first two goals were penalties against Mozambique and hosts Mauritania but at the most important moment at knockout stage, he scored the first hat-trick of the tournament.

In a recap of their journey to final, the  2-1 comeback victory against hosts Mauritania to finish second in Group A handed the Hippos a ticket to the knockout and later defied odds with a shootout victory over a much fancied Burkina Faso.

Earlier in the group stage , Cameroon had brought the Hippos down, days after they had set the tone with a 2-0 win over COSAFA U20 Champions Mozambique.

Now Uganda booked a meeting on final against Ghana who beat Gambia 1-0 in the first semifinal of the day.

On Saturday, it will be a sort of revenge for Uganda against Ghana whose senior side in 1978 defeated the Cranes on final of AFCON.