The Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team (Teen Cranes) made a perfect start to their 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship campaign with a commanding 13-0 victory over Djibouti in their opening Group B match played on Sunday at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda took an early lead through Justine Ayerango in the 3rd minute before Lydia Namaseruka converted from the penalty spot seven minutes later to double the advantage.
Shadia Nabirye was the standout performer with a hat-trick while Immaculate Acen and Justine Ayerango each scored twice. The other goals came from Flavia Yagala, Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashidah Nakalema, Vicky Atyeronimungu, Brenda Nassaka and Lydia Namaseruka as the Teen Cranes secured a convincing opening-day victory.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Sheryl Botes praised her players’ performance and emphasised that the team’s focus remains on continuous improvement rather than the scoreline.
‘It’s not always about the score for me. It’s about the performance. We have been working extensively on areas that challenged us during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and in the friendly match against Ethiopia. It was pleasing to see some of those positives come through today,’ said Botes.
The South African tactician admitted that her side had not anticipated such a large winning margin against an opponent they had never faced before.
‘We scored so many goals today that we can hardly believe it ourselves, but it is a positive start. The result has given the girls confidence and belief going forward,’ she added.
Uganda will now turn its attention to the next Group B fixture against Zanzibar, scheduled for Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at KMC Stadium.
Teen Cranes Starting XI
Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya (GK), Phionah Arach, Jovia Nakirya, Angel Gerevans Dominick, Vicky Atyeronimungu (C), Lydia Namaseruka, Flavia Yagala, Justine Ayerango, Shadia Nabirye, Immaculate Acen, Martha Babirye.
Substitutes
Sharifah Namutebi Kizito (GK), Ritah Nambuusi Anitah, Tracy Nabalanzi, Grace Kawiino, Rashidah Nakalema, Tahia Nantege, Joan Namakula, Cynthia Kirenga, Brenda Nassaka.
