CAIRO: The Egyptian U-20 national football team defeated Uganda 2-0 over the weekend, but the Ugandan coach was angered over a consolation goal was not allowed in Cairo. The win pushed Egypt one step closer to qualifying for the Africa Youth Championships, with a second leg to be played in Uganda. The goal would have given Uganda a much-needed away goal and could have meant a 1-0 home victory on the return would have been enough to advance. Despite the loss and disallowed goal, the Ugandan team officials are optimistic that the team will overturn the away defeat and edge passed Egypt in the return leg at Nakivubo in two weeks. Coach Frank Anyau blamed the loss on poor officiating by the referees, whom he accused for disallowing Dan Sserunkuuma's 83rd minute effort as well as denying them a penalty. Sserunkuuma, who substituted team captain Mike Mutyaba, had looped Egyptian goalkeeper Ahamed El Shinawy and defender Omar Gaber but his effort was disallowed. The centre referee chose to award a free-kick for a foul on the striker. “We had a superior game but the referees let us down. We promise the return leg will be ours,” Anyau vowed. The team returns on Wednesday to resume training for the return leg. The Hippos conceded the first goal in the 29th minute after Mohamed Salah took goalkeeper Godwin Bbuule by surprise with a hard shot. Patrick Edema would have levelled four minutes later but failed with only the keeper. The winner over two legs will meet either Morocco or Ivory Coast in the second round as teams fight for slots in the finals of the U-20 Africa championships due in Libya next year. The loss is not a surprise as Uganda always struggles against Egypt in under age competitions. Uganda met Egypt in the U-20 event at the same stage in 2003 and the North Africans were 3-0 aggregate winners. Earlier in 1981 Uganda withdrew from the event paving way for the Egyptians to advance. On both occasions the Egyptians went on to win the competitions and qualify for the world cup. BM
