Uganda made a winning start to the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers with a 4-1 victory over Djibouti at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Isima Magala set the Hippos on their way after just five minutes, but Djibouti responded through substitute Ishak Tahir, who levelled in the 23rd minute.
Uganda regained the lead just before halftime when Genesis Ocen Odiya found the net, giving the Hippos a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Captain Richard Okello then extended Uganda’s lead in the 60th minute before Magala completed his brace to seal a comfortable victory.
The result puts Uganda top of Group B with three points and a +3 goal difference, ahead of Sudan and Djibouti.
Coach Laryea Kingston acknowledged that his side missed several chances but was pleased with the opening-day victory.
“We take every match as it comes and work hard to get a win,” Kingston said.
Uganda will next face Sudan on September 19 in their final Group B match, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
The nine participating teams are divided into three groups, with the three group winners and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals.
The top two teams at the zonal tournament will qualify to represent the CECAFA region at the 2027 CAF U-20 AFCON.
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