A goal from Steven Mukwala handed Uganda a 1-0 win over Cameroon in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations U-20 qualifier at the Startimes Stadium.

The opening exchanges failed to provide any goal-mouth action, as both sides were restricted to long range efforts, none of which were threatening.

Cameroon did most of the chasing in the game as you would expect from a side needing an away win, but wasted numerous opportunities as Hippos looked to hit them on the break.

Hippos best chance in the opening exchanges came via long range effort from Kasule Abubakar, while Allan Okello had a penalty appeal turned down by the referee.

The home side were presented with an opening from a set piece in the 32nd minute but Eyam Ivan, curled his free-kick just wide of the upright.

Keni Saidi came to Hippos rescue in the 35th minute, as the shot-stopper pulled off a fine save to keep out Abba Ibrahim’s free-kick, which was destined for the top corner.

The visitors nearly broke the deadlock two minutes later, but Willa Paul did well to deflect Ako Martin’s close range effort onto the crossbar, while the Cameroon goalkeeper tipped the striker’s curling effort away a few minutes later.

A minute before the break Mukwala gave Hippos the lead, curling home a wonderful effort to mark his birthday in style.

Hippos should have extended the lead in the 54th minute when Geoffrey Wasswa played Okello through on goal, however the KCCA forward managed to place his effort wide of the mark with only Assimba to beat.

Frank Tumwesigye then had an effort from a Allan Okello free-kick just wide as Uganda sought to up the tempo at the hour mark in this fast paced duel.

Assimba was called to action once again in the 80th minute, as he got down well to deny Julius Poloto from the edge of the area.

The visitors nearly leveled matters in the 87th minute, as Mael Kamden showed great control, before seeing his low effort palmed away by Saidi Keni.

Hippos managed to see off a late surge from the Cameroonians, including a powerful effort from Karl Ngendi, to secure the crucial first-leg win.