Overview:
Uganda Hippos return to action on Saturday, 19th September 2026 against Sudan (5 PM).
- CECAFA U-20 Championship 2026
- Uganda 4-1 Djibouti
Uganda national U-20 football team, Hippos, commenced the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship with a 4-1 victory over Djibouti at the Uhuru Stadium on Tuesday, 15th September 2026.
Isma Magala struck a brace, with Genesis Ocen Odiya and captain Richard Okello adding the other goals.
Magala put Uganda ahead after six minutes, thanks to Derrick Ssozi’s assist.
Odiya doubled Uganda’s lead on the stroke of half-time, with Magala providing the assist.
Skipper Okello made it three in the 63rd minute, with Elvis Opakrwoth assisting.
Opakrwoth turned provider for Magala in the 69th minute.
Djibouti’s consolation was scored by Ishak Tahir, assisted by Safwan Mohamed Ahmed.
Featuring in the Slovenian second-tier league at NK Tabor Sezana, Odiya expressed delight after scoring one of the four goals for Uganda.
The former Amus College School student saluted the fellow players and coaches for the collective effort.
“It has been a good start to win 4-1. It is good to start the tournament with a win. I thank my fellow players and coaches. Having scored my first goal for the country, it gives me special joy,” Odiya remarked.
Slow start
Odiya acknowledged the slow start to the game, where they missed a lot of chances to bury the game early.
“We missed a lot of chances and opportunities in the first half. The coaches fixed a lot of things as we returned to the dressing room, especially positioning. It worked, I think, because in the second half, we scored more goals and defended well,” he added.
Uganda Hippos return to action on Saturday, 19th September 2026 against Sudan (5 PM).
Team Lineups:
Uganda XI: Adrian Isabirye (G.K), Elvis Opakrwoth, Hakim Wandera, Barasa Mangoli, Gilbert Ogenrwot, Yashir Mimosa, John Owino, Derrick Ssozi, Isma Magala, Ocen Odiya, Richard Okello (Captain)
Subs: Igama Batali (G.K), Hakim Kawuki, Steven Oyirwoth, Simon Wanyama, Amour Munogera, Meddy Mutamba, Ashrag Kyakuwa
Head coach: Laryea Kingston (Ghana)
Djibouti XI: Sheikh Aden (G.K), Derrick Adede, Mohamed Abdikadir, Mahamoud Bilal, Alfred Mwangi, Hilal Isaak, Safwan Mohamed Ahmed, Ahmed Aden Ahmed, Messy Onyango, Ali Ali (Captain), Paul Andika
Subs: Farhan Abdourazak Mohamed (G.K), Mohamed Mohamed, Ahmed Said Hassan, Mohamed Gurreh, Dabal Awale, Osman Mohamed, Sadik Yacin Youssouf, Ishak Tahir, Mohamed Ali
Head coach: Ali Abubakar Abdirahman (Somalia)
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Ephrame Debele Kabeta (Ethiopia)
- Assistant Referee 1: Mustefa Meki Mohammed (Ethiopia)
- Assistant Referee 2: Saidi Hamsi Ndayisaba (Rwanda)
- Fourth official: Celestine Nsabimana (Rwanda)
- Commissioner: Amr Hassan (Somalia)
- General Coordinator: Francois Regis Uwayezu (Rwanda)
