Africa Cecafa Cup: Burundi beats Somalia

Burundi got off to a flying start in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup, with a 5-1 thumping of Somalia at the Namboole Stadium in Kampala, on day two of the regional tournament.

Somalia – under the guidance of former Uganda assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa – faltered badly, against a Burundi team which had enjoyed a 4-1 win in Dar es Salaam last year.

The Burundians led 2-0 by the interval, courtesy of goals from Chris Nduwagira and Yusuf Ndikumana.

Somalia reduced the deficit soon after the break, as Jabril Hassan netted a penalty, much to the delight of a small band of fans watching from the stands.

Thoughts of a comeback were short-lived, however, as Selemani Ndikumana got in on the act on 79 minutes, after some beautiful interplay.

Nduwagira picked up the fourth, and there was still time for Selemani Ndikumana to snatch a second and complete a convincing victory.

Lofty Mohammed, the Burundi coach, was excited by the nature of the win.

“We played as a team and were sharp in front of goal,” he said.

The second Group B game on Sunday produced a surprise 2-0 win for Tanzania over Sudan. Both goals came in the first half through John Bocco.

Burundi now leads Group B, on goal difference, from Tanzania.

Action continues on Monday with Group C matches, as Zanzibar face Eritrea and Rwanda tackle guest side Malawi.