2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)
- Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi
Uganda U-20 national team (The Hippos) settled for third place to clinch bronze medals at the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship (2026 AFCON U-20 qualifiers).
This followed a 2-0 victory over Burundi during the third place playoff match played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam city on Thursday, 24th September 2026 under stunningly hot weather conditions.
A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.
Right from the on-start of the game, Uganda looked sharper and a hungrier party.
Forward Genesis Ocen Odiya was denied from close range as early as the 7th minute after being set up captain Richard Okello.
Burundi reacted with Djibane Kwizera’s free-kick being a routine collection for Uganda Hippos’ goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye on the quarter hour mark.
Three minutes later, Burundi roving right back Ally Magambo laid the ball from the right flank, with goalkeeper Isabirye diving to collect the ball.
Burundi talisman and captain Amini Nshimirimana shot narrowly wide in the 20th minute.
Uganda took the lead in the 22nd minute when forward Ssozi reacted faster to an inviting Elvis Opakrwoth low ball inside the goal area for the opener.
On the half hour mark, Burundi’s Dieudonne Ndikumana shot over after a decent cut back from Ally Magambo.
Moments later, Abdoul Rahim Ndizeye curled the ball way and above the Uganda Hippos’ goal before goalkeeper Isabirye made a save from Ali-Ali Sadiki.
Odiya was denied from close range by Burundian goalkeeper Omari Niyonkuru.
On the stroke of half time, Okello shot the upright and the break, Amini Nshirimana was denied by goalie Isabirye from close range.
Upon restart of play, Ally Magambo executed an inviting cross from the right but skipper Amini Nshimirimana watched in disbelief with a glancing header that rolled out of play.
Uganda called for the first change of the game in the 57th minute when Yashir Mimosa was rested for Hakim Wandera.
After an hour of action, Burundi had a double change.
Ali-Ali Sadiki and Abdoul Rahim Ndizeye were replaced by Yussuf Nshimirimana and Aubin Ntwari respectively.
Burundi made another change in the 65th minute. Ally Magambo was rested for Theogene Minani.
Roy Amissi (Burundi) blasted over from close range with 20 minutes to play.
Wandera got a free-kick pushed away by Burundi goalkeeper Omar Niyonkuru in the 74th minute.
Uganda Hippos made a triple substitution. Meddy Mutamba, Joseph Ssendyowa and Simon Wanyama replaced the weary legs of Isima Mulala Magala, Richard Okello and Genesis Ocen Odiya in the 77th minute.
Meanwhile, Burundi introduced Majidi Sympthique for Yussuf Nshimirimana.
Ashraf Kyakuwa scored the second goal for Uganda Hippos, after a decent assist by Steven Oyirwoth to seal the game for Uganda.
The victory for Uganda secured them bronze medals, consolation for the missed AFCON U-20 slot.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda XI: Adrian Isabirye (G.K), Yashir Mimosa, Steven Oyirwoth, |”Barasa Mangoli, John Owino, Gilbert Ogenrwot, Genesis Ocen Odiya, Isima Magala, Richard Okello (Captain), Derrick Ssozi, Elvis Opakrwoth
Subs: Igama Batali (G.K), Hakim Kawuki, Simon Wanyama, Meddy Mutamba, Ashraf Kyakuwa, Hakim Wandera
Injured: Amour Munogera
Team Officials:
- Head coach: Laryea Kingston (Ghana)
- Assistant coach: Bashir Ssemuyaba
- Goalkeeper coach: Stephen Billy Kiggundu
- Team Doctor: Ivan Kulika
- Team manager: Brian Umony
- Physical Trainer: Dennis Kizito
- Equipment manager: Frank Bumpenje
Burundi XI: Omar Niyonkuru (G.K), Radjabu Nzeyimana, Abdoul Rahim Ndizeye, Cadeau Ndayishimiye, Abedi Irakoze, Amini Nshimirimana (Captain), Ali-Ali Sadiki, Dieudonne Ndikumana, Abdallah Ndikumana, Roy Amissi, Ally Magambo
Subs: Papy Victoire Mude (G.K), Hamissi Nahimana, Djibane Kwizera, Lionel Bigirimana, Sympathique Majidi, Yussuf Nshirimana, Aubin Ntwari, Jacques Irankunda, Theogene Minani, Hamissi Nahimana
Team officials:
- Head coach: Jean De Dieu Rukundo
- Assistant coach: Aboubakar Miburo
- Goalkeeper coach: Aboubakari Ndayisenga
- Physiotherapist: Thierry Irankunda
- Physical trainer: Albert Kwizera
- Equipment manager: Patrick Harakandi
- Team doctor: Blaise Nakobedetse
Match officials:
- Referee: Elly Ally Sasii (Tanzania)
- Assistant Referee 1: Seif Mpanga Seif Kassim Seif (Tanzania)
- Assistant Referee 2: Saidi Hamisi Ndayisaba (Rwanda)
- Fourth official: Amro Ismail Alsayed Mohammed (Sudan)
- Commissioner: Amir Abdi Hassan (Somalia)
- Referee assessor: Kalisto Gumesi Simon Samson (South Sudan)
- General Coordinator: Baraka Kizuguto (Tanzania)
- Technical Study Group: Bashir Mutyaba (Uganda)
- Media officer: Stephen Mutinda Munywoki (Kenya)
- Security officer: Charles Warioba Maiki (Tanzania)
- Medical officer: Daudi Rajabu Mavura (Tanzania)
- Safeguarding officer: Veronica Bwamula Lusichi (Kenya)
