2026 U17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers | Boys | Group stage
- Burundi 0-4 Uganda
Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, opened their CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers with a commanding 4–0 win over Burundi on Saturday, sending an early message in their title defense in Ethiopia.
The defending champions, who won the 2024 edition at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo looked settled from the first whistle at Diredawa Stadium, and by halftime the contest was virtually over.
Forward Thomas Ogema and captain Owen Mukisa each grabbed a brace, putting Uganda firmly in control before the break.
Ogema opened the scoring in the 10th minute and doubled the lead in the 25th.
Mukisa added the third at the half-hour mark and made it four just before halftime.
With the cushion secured, the Cubs managed the second half with maturity, keeping possession, slowing Burundi’s attempts to respond, and protecting their clean sheet.
Goalkeeper Ashiraf Lukyamuzi enjoyed a quiet but assured shift behind a disciplined backline.
Uganda returns to action on Tuesday, November 18, against Sudan in Diredawa as they look to strengthen their position in the group.
The CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers, which kicked off on November 15 and run until December 2, will send the two finalists and 2nd runners up to the 2026 AFCON U-17 tournament, adding weight to every match the Cubs play.