Uganda made a flying start to their Group B campaign at the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship after thrashing Djibouti 13-0 in a one-sided encounter played at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Teen Cranes wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Justine Ayerango opening the scoring in the very first minute after beating Djibouti goalkeeper Hiwot Ayenawe from close range.
Uganda continued to pile pressure on their opponents and were rewarded with a penalty in the 10th minute following a foul inside the box. Lydia Namaseruka stepped up and calmly converted to double Uganda’s advantage.
Shadia Nabirye then stole the spotlight in the first half, scoring a hat-trick as the Teen Cranes ran riot. Flavia Yagala and Immaculate Achen also found the back of the net before the break to hand Uganda a commanding lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Uganda maintaining their attacking intensity.
Achen completed her brace, while Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashida Nakalema, Vicky Atyeronimungu and Brenda Nasaka all added their names to the scoresheet as the Teen Cranes sealed a resounding 13-0 victory.
Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance and positive start to the tournament.
“We are happy with the win and want to continue playing well throughout the tournament,” said Botes.
Uganda are grouped alongside South Sudan, Zanzibar and Djibouti in Group B. In the other group match, South Sudan edged Zanzibar 1-0 in a closely contested encounter.
Meanwhile, action in Group A began on Saturday with Kenya recording a dominant 16-goal performance against Sudan at the KMC Stadium. However, the match was abandoned in the 56th minute after Sudan were reduced by injuries to only five available players, having already exhausted all their substitutions.
Hosts Tanzania also enjoyed a winning start, defeating Somalia 4-0 in the second Group A fixture to move into second place in the standings.
The CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship serves as a key platform for the region’s emerging talents as teams battle for continental recognition and development opportunities.
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