Uganda thrash Djibouti in U-20 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers

What the report says

Uganda’s U-20 national team, the Hippos, began their campaign in the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers with a 4-1 win over Djibouti in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The opening Group B match was played at Uhuru Stadium, and Uganda took an early lead through Isima Magala, who scored in the fifth minute.

Djibouti briefly drew level in the 23rd minute when substitute Ishak Tahir found the net past goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye. Uganda responded before halftime, however, as Genesis Ocen Odiya restored the lead to send the Hippos into the break 2-1 up. The second half stayed largely in Uganda’s control, with captain Richard Okello adding a third in the 60th minute before Magala completed his brace to seal the result.

The victory gives Uganda three points and top place in Group B after the first round of matches. Head coach Laryea Kingston said the team would continue to approach the competition one game at a time. Uganda will next meet Sudan on September 19, a fixture that could shape their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

More broadly, the CECAFA qualifiers are part of the route to the continental U-20 finals, with the group winners and the best second-placed team advancing to the semifinals. Uganda entered the tournament as runners-up from the previous edition and are aiming for one of the regional spots available at the finals.