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Uganda’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, began their defence of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship title in emphatic fashion with a 13-0 victory over Djibouti in their opening match of the 2026 tournament in Tanzania on Sunday.
The defending champions produced a dominant attacking display from the opening whistle, securing a convincing win that gives them an early advantage in the group standings and a significant boost to their goal difference.
Justine Ayerengo opened the scoring in the third minute before Lydia Namasuuka converted from the penalty spot seven minutes later to double Uganda’s lead. Shaida Nabirye emerged as one of the standout performers, scoring a first-half hat-trick in the 17th, 39th and 40th minutes.
Flavia Yagala added Uganda’s fourth goal in the 24th minute, while Immaculate Acon struck twice in the 36th and 47th minutes as the Teen Cranes established a commanding lead.
Uganda maintained their dominance after the break, keeping Djibouti pinned back for much of the second half. Ayerengo completed her brace in the 56th minute, while Tracy Nabalanzi added another goal in the 81st minute.
Rashida Nakalema netted Uganda’s 11th goal in the 87th minute before Vicky Ayoronimungu and Branda Nassaka completed the rout in the 90th minute and stoppage time respectively.
Head coach Sheryl Botes praised her team’s discipline, teamwork and commitment, saying the players executed the game plan effectively. However, she cautioned against complacency, noting that tougher tests lie ahead in the tournament.
“This is a good start for us, but the tournament is still long. The players showed great character and commitment, and we must maintain the same mentality in the matches ahead,” Botes said.
Teen Cranes assistant captain Angel Gerevans Dominick described the victory as a major confidence boost as Uganda seeks to retain the regional title.
“We are happy with the result and the performance. We have prepared well for this tournament, and we want to keep working hard and winning matches as we defend our title,” Dominick said.
The CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship provides a platform for nurturing young talent across the region and offers valuable competitive experience ahead of future international assignments, including FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification campaigns. Uganda will now turn its attention to the remaining group-stage fixtures as the Teen Cranes continue their quest to retain the regional crown.
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, https://observer.ug/uncategorized/teen-cranes-thrash-djibouti-13-0-in-cecafa-title-defence-opener/
