Teen Cranes begin CECAFA U-17 championship campaign in style with 13-0 thrashing of Djibouti

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda’s Teen Cranes made a sensational start to their 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship campaign after thrashing Djibouti 13-0 in their Group B opening match played on Sunday at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The emphatic victory immediately announced Uganda’s intentions in the regional tournament and placed them among the early favorites for the title.

The result came just a day after Kenya had set the pace in Group A with a remarkable 16-0 victory over Sudan in the tournament’s opening match played on Saturday at the KMC Stadium.

Uganda wasted no time asserting their dominance as they took the lead within the opening minute. Justine Ayerango opened the scoring after beating Djibouti goalkeeper Hiwot Ayenawe and calmly finishing from close range.

The Teen Cranes continued to pile pressure on their opponents and were rewarded with a penalty in the 10th minute after a Djibouti defender committed a foul inside the area. Lydia Namaseruka confidently converted from the spot to double Uganda’s advantage.

From that moment, the contest became a one-sided affair as Uganda completely controlled proceedings.

Shadia Nabirye emerged as the star of the first half, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to leave Djibouti struggling to contain the rampant Ugandan attack. Flavia Yagala and Immaculate Achen also got on the scoresheet before halftime as Uganda raced into a commanding lead.

After the break, the Teen Cranes showed no signs of slowing down.

Achen completed her brace, while Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashida Nakalema, Vicky Atyeronimungu and Brenda Nasaka all added their names to the scoresheet as Uganda continued to create chances at will.

By the final whistle, the Teen Cranes had registered an impressive 13-0 victory, one of the biggest wins in the history of the competition.

Speaking after the match, Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes praised her players for their performance but cautioned them against complacency as the tournament progresses.

“We are happy with the win and want to continue playing well throughout the tournament. It is a good start, but we must remain focused on the matches ahead,” Botes said.

The victory gives Uganda an early advantage in Group B and boosts their goal difference as they prepare for tougher tests in the coming fixtures.

In the other Group B match played earlier on Sunday, South Sudan secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zanzibar. Amou Seber scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute after a tightly contested encounter.

With Kenya registering a 16-0 victory over Sudan and Uganda posting a 13-0 triumph against Djibouti, East Africa’s traditional powerhouses have sent a strong warning to the rest of the field as the race for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship gathers momentum in Tanzania.