TotalEnergies AFCON U-20: Mayanja takes the positive from Uganda exit

Uganda coach Jackson Mayanja was full of praise for his young Hippos following their 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ibrahim Juma was the unfortunate player to score the only goal of the closely contested match when Ibrahim Muhammad's effort which hit the post came off his leg to nestle into Abdu Magada's goal.

"The dream has come to an end like football. I am so happy for my boys. They had a fantastic game today," Mayanja said.

The Hippos dominated large parts of the match but failed to make best use of their opportunities at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

"We had a very good tournament, I think the players enjoyed the game," the Cranes midfielder said.

"They have done what we told them to do. They have played a fantastic game.

"We didn't qualify but this is something we are building a new style of play for the template of Ugandan football.

"We have left a mark in this tournament with our display."