Uganda Cubs begin CECAFA U-17 defence with 4–0 thrashing of Burundi

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CECAFA U17 AFCON Qualifiers

Uganda 4 Burundi 0

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Defending champions Uganda Cubs began their Group B campaign at the TotalEnergies Men’s U17 CECAFA regional qualifiers with a confident 4–0 victory over Burundi at Dire Dawa Stadium in Ethiopia on Saturday.

Team captain Owen Mukisa and the lively Thomas Ogema each scored twice in the first half, putting Uganda firmly in control. The Cubs appeared set for a bigger scoreline, although Burundi returned for the second half more organised and disciplined, limiting Uganda’s attacking opportunities.

Coach Layrea Kingston said the side executed their early strategy effectively.

“Before you go into every game, you have to have a game plan. For me, I planned to squeeze them in small areas so they would make mistakes, and we executed that,” Kingston explained.

“In the second half, the coach on their side did well, and I give them credit. They sat back, and it became challenging for us. It was a game of two halves, and the second half belonged to Burundi.”

Uganda did not score after the interval and produced only a few clear chances. Ismail Fahad came closest with a rising shot that was well saved by the Burundi goalkeeper.

Kingston made several substitutions, bringing on Arnold Kayemba, Ashraf Kyakuwa and Brian Olwa for Thomas Ogema, Nicholas Kawooya and Owen Mukisa, although Burundi’s defence absorbed pressure until full time.

Uganda will face Sudan on November 18, Tanzania on November 21 and Djibouti on November 27, with all matches at Dire Dawa Stadium.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, and the top three nations will qualify for the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 2026 in Morocco.

Uganda are defending CECAFA U17 champions, having defeated Tanzania 2–1 in last year’s final at Nakivubo Stadium, where goals from Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere secured the title.

The team competing in the CECAFA qualifiers in Ethiopia is different from the Uganda U17 team currently playing at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

In Qatar, the Uganda U17 boys' national football team continued their impressive run by beating Senegal 1–0 in the Round of 32.

The decisive goal came from Abubakali Walusimbi, who struck powerfully from outside the box in the 15th minute. The result followed their historic victory over France in the group stage, a win that lifted confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.