Defending champions Uganda Hippos started their AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ethiopia on Monday evening at the Azam Complex Stadium in Tanzania.
Head coach Mathias Lule named two Tax Collectors, goalkeeper Abdu Magada and Godfrey Sekibengo in the starting line up.
Sekibengo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, delivering a stunning volley from the edge of the box following a poor clearance by an Ethiopian defender. His strike arrowed into the bottom-right corner, putting Uganda ahead.
Swabir Mpasa doubled Uganda’s lead just before halftime, volleying home from Allan Oyirwoth’s header, giving the Hippos a comfortable 2-0 advantage at the break.
Ethiopia pressed for a way back into the game but Uganda’s defense marshaled by goalkeeper Abdu Magada remained solid. Magada made a crucial save following a defensive lapse, preserving the clean sheet.
In the 90th minute substitute John Innocent Kisolo sealed the win with a deflected long-range strike that left Ethiopia’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Other URA FC players, forward Denis Kisiriko and Johnson Kabagambe also got some minutes coming off the bench in the second half.
Uganda returns into action tomorrow (Wednesday) against Burundi at KMC stadium.