Uganda’s Hippos made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 CECAFA qualifiers campaign after defeating Djibouti 4-1 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda took control of their Group B campaign with the emphatic victory on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in the opening match of the regional qualifiers.
Isima Magala put Uganda ahead after just five minutes, setting the tone for a dominant opening performance by the Hippos.
The victory gives Uganda three points and a +3 goal difference, placing them at the top of Group B after the opening round. Sudan, the third team in the group, had not yet played at the time of the result.
The tournament brings together nine teams divided into three groups, with the winner of each group and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals. The two finalists will represent the CECAFA region at the 2027 U-20 AFCON.
Uganda are in Group B alongside Sudan and Djibouti, while Group A comprises hosts Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda. Group C has South Sudan, Kenya and Burundi.
The Hippos are coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston, who urged his players to remain focused despite their convincing opening victory.
“We take every match as it comes,” Kingston said, according to Kawowo Sports, as he cautioned against celebrating too early after the 4-1 win.
Uganda’s next group match is against Sudan on September 19, while Djibouti will face Sudan on September 17.
The Hippos’ opening victory gives them an early advantage in a competition where only two teams will ultimately emerge from the CECAFA zone to compete at the continental U-20 finals.