Kingston hails plan after Uganda start AFCON U-17 qualifiers with win

Uganda Cubs kicked off their TotalEnergies Under-17 CECAFA regional title defence in style, sweeping aside Burundi 4–0 in their opening Group B fixture at the Dire Dawa Stadium in Ethiopia on Saturday night.

The defending champions were ruthless in the first half, with skipper Owen Mukisa and the lively Thomas Ogema each finding the net twice to put Uganda firmly in control.

Their sharp pressing, quick transitions, and efficient use of wide spaces left Burundi struggling to cope as the Cubs looked set for a runaway victory.

After the break, however, the complexion of the match shifted. Burundi reorganised their structure, closed spaces more effectively, and limited Uganda’s attacking rhythm.

The Cubs created fewer clear chances, though Ismail Fahad forced a brilliant top-hand save from the Burundian goalkeeper with a powerful rising effort.

Coach Kingston Credits Pressing Tactics for Uganda Cubs’ Victory

Coach Layrea Kingston introduced Arnold Kayemba, Ashraf Kyakuwa, and Brian Olwa for Ogema, Nicholas Kawooya, and Mukisa in search of renewed momentum, but Burundi’s disciplined second-half shape proved difficult to unlock.

Reflecting on the performance, Kingston said the result reflected a clear tactical contrast between the two halves.

“Before you go into every game, you have to have a game plan, and for me, the first half was about squeezing them in tight areas so they would make mistakes, and we executed that. In the second half, their coach adjusted well, and I give them credit. They sat back, and it became challenging for us. It was a game of two halves, and the second half belonged to Burundi.”

Despite the quieter second period, Uganda’s dominant start ensures they begin their title defence with confidence. The Cubs return to action on 18th November against Sudan, before facing Tanzania on 21 November and Djibouti on 27 November as the group campaign continues.