The Uganda Cubs have made a winning start in the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers.
Coach Laryea Kingston’s side humbled Burundi 8-0 in their opening Group B match played on Saturday at the Kigali Pele Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda. Arnold Kayemba put Uganda ahead with a well headed goal after 19 minutes. Two minutes later he was on the score sheet again giving the Burundi goalkeeper Cedrick Niyukuri not chance from close range.
The Burundi team tried to push forward to try in search of goals, but skipper Elvis Irakoze had his attempts blocked. Arafat Ibanda and and Nicholas Kawooya netted two more goals for the Cubs for the first half to end 4-0. Substitute Sebastian Fisher got his name on the score sheet after 73 minutes, while Junior Ofoyrworth made it 6-0 for Uganda three minutes later.
The Scotland based Fisher added two more goals to record his first hat-trick on his debut for Uganda. “I am very happy with the win and the many goals the boys scored. We need to keep focused and prepare for our next match against Ethiopia,” said Uganda’s coach Kingston.
Tanzania was set to face Kenya in a Group C tie, while hosts Rwanda battle South Sudan in a Group A match in the last match of Day 1.
