DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Uganda’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, launched their 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship campaign in emphatic fashion with a dominant 13-0 victory over Djibouti in their opening Group B match at the Azam Complex on Sunday.
The Teen Cranes wasted no time asserting their superiority, with forward Justine Ayerango opening the scoring just three minutes into the contest. Midfielder Lydia Namaseruka doubled Uganda’s lead from the penalty spot in the 10th minute, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter.
Shadia Nabirye emerged as the star of the afternoon, netting a hat-trick as Uganda overwhelmed their opponents with relentless attacking football. Ayerango and Immaculate Acen each grabbed a brace, while Flavia Yagala, Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashidah Nakalema, Vicky Atyeronimungu, Brenda Nassaka and Namaseruka also found the back of the net.
The comprehensive victory gives Uganda an early boost in Group B and underlines the team’s ambitions of challenging for regional honours.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Sheryl Botes commended her players for translating lessons from recent competitions into a polished performance.
“For me, it’s not always about the scoreline; it’s about the performance,” Botes said. “We have been working extensively on areas that challenged us during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and in the friendly match against Ethiopia. It was pleasing to see some of those improvements reflected in today’s game.”
The South African tactician admitted that neither she nor her players expected such a commanding result against an unfamiliar opponent.
“We scored so many goals today that we can hardly believe it ourselves, but it is a positive start,” she said. “The result has given the girls confidence and belief as we move forward in the tournament.”
With three points secured and a healthy goal difference established, the Teen Cranes will now shift their focus to their second Group B fixture against Zanzibar on Tuesday, June 16, at KMC Stadium.
Teen Cranes Starting XI
Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya (GK), Phionah Arach, Jovia Nakirya, Angel Gerevans Dominick, Vicky Atyeronimungu (Captain), Lydia Namaseruka, Flavia Yagala, Justine Ayerango, Shadia Nabirye, Immaculate Acen, Martha Babirye.
Substitutes
Sharifah Namutebi Kizito (GK), Ritah Nambuusi Anitah, Tracy Nabalanzi, Grace Kawiino, Rashidah Nakalema, Tahia Nantege, Joan Namakula, Cynthia Kirenga and Brenda Nassaka.