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Uganda’s U20 national team, the Uganda Hippos, made a flying start to their 2026 CECAFA U20 Championship campaign with an emphatic 4–1 victory over Djibouti U20 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The Hippos produced an impressive attacking display, scoring twice in each half to secure all three points in their opening Group B encounter. The tournament is being held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with Uganda’s squad led by head coach Laryea Kingston.
Uganda wasted little time making their presence felt. Isma Magala opened the scoring in the 5th minute, giving the Hippos an early advantage and setting the tone for an entertaining contest.
Djibouti responded positively and managed to level the game in the 22nd minute through I. Tahir, restoring parity at 1–1.
The equaliser briefly gave Djibouti hope, but Uganda remained dangerous going forward and continued to push for the second goal.
The Hippos eventually regained their advantage just before the break when G. O. Ocen found the back of the net in the 45th minute.
Ocen's late first-half goal meant Uganda went into the interval leading 2–1, despite Djibouti having managed to get themselves back into the contest earlier in the half.
Uganda came out for the second half determined to put the game beyond Djibouti, and they did exactly that.
Richard Okello extended Uganda's lead in the 60th minute, making it 3–1 and giving the Hippos breathing room.
Just two minutes later, Magala completed his brace, scoring his second goal of the afternoon in the 62nd minute to put Uganda firmly in command at 4–1.
The quick succession of goals effectively ended Djibouti's hopes of mounting another comeback.
Magala emerged as one of the standout performers, contributing two goals to Uganda's convincing victory. His early opener and second-half strike were crucial in helping the Hippos establish control of the match.
Uganda's four goals were shared between Magala, Ocen and Okello, demonstrating the attacking depth within Kingston's young squad.
The Hippos entered the competition with a squad featuring several players already attached to Uganda Premier League clubs, including Richard Okello of BUL FC, Hakim Wandera of NEC FC, Hakim Kawuki of KCCA FC, Amour Munogera of Vipers SC, Gilbert Ogenrwot and Raymond Mangoli of SC Villa, among others.
The 4–1 victory gives Uganda an ideal start to their campaign as they chase a place in the continental finals. The CECAFA U20 competition serves as the regional pathway toward the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top teams competing for qualification.
For Laryea Kingston and his players, the victory will provide an important confidence boost ahead of their next assignment.
Uganda U20 4–1 Djibouti U20
⚽ 5' – Isma Magala
⚽ 22' – I. Tahir
⚽ 45' – G. O. Ocen
⚽ 60' – Richard Okello
⚽ 62' – Isma Magala
Half-time: Uganda U20 2–1 Djibouti U20
Full-time: Uganda U20 4–1 Djibouti U20
A commanding opening performance from the Hippos puts Uganda in a strong position as the CECAFA U20 Championship campaign continues.
