Uganda’s Teen Cranes made a dream start to their 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship campaign, crushing Djibouti 13-0 in their Group B opener at the Azam Complex on Saturday.
The Teen Cranes were on the front foot from the very first minute. Justine Ayerango opened the scoring almost immediately, finishing from close range after beating goalkeeper Hiwot Ayenawe.
Uganda kept pressing and won a penalty after 10 minutes when a Djibouti defender fouled in the box. Lydia Namaseruka stepped up and calmly made it 2-0.
From there, it was one-way traffic. Shadia Nabirye stole the show in the first half with a hat-trick, while Flavia Yagala and Immaculate Achen also added goals before the break as Uganda raced into a commanding lead.
After halftime, Uganda showed no mercy. Achen added her second of the night, while Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashida Nakalema, Vicky Atyeronimungu and Brenda Nasaka all joined the scoring list as the goals kept coming. By the final whistle, Uganda had sealed a stunning 13-0 win.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes praised her side’s strong start but called for focus in the matches ahead.
“We are happy with the win and want to continue playing well in the whole tournament,” she said.
Earlier, South Sudan edged Zanzibar 1-0 thanks to Amou Seber’s 78th-minute strike after a tight contest.
This means Uganda’s dominant victory puts them top of Group B early on..
