Uganda Beat Burundi to Win CECAFA U-20 Bronze 

Uganda Hippos defeated Burundi 2-0, with goals from Derrick Ssozi and Ashraf Kyakuwa, to claim bronze at the 2026 CECAFA U-20 Championship.

Uganda Hippos completed their 2026 CECAFA U-20 Championship campaign with a bronze medal after defeating Burundi 2-0 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Derrick Ssozi opened the scoring in the first half before substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa sealed the result after the interval. The Thursday victory, September 24, gave coach Laryea Kingston’s team a positive conclusion to a campaign that began with hopes of qualifying for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Uganda missed continental qualification after losing 3-2 to Sudan in the semi final but recovered quickly to overcome Burundi in the third-place play-off.

Uganda Make the Stronger Start

The Hippos began the match with greater intensity and created their first clear opportunity in the seventh minute. Captain Richard Okello supplied Genesis Ocen Odiya, but the forward could not convert from close range.

Burundi responded through Djibane Kwizera, whose free kick was comfortably collected by Uganda goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye. Captain Amini Nshimirimana also sent an attempt narrowly wide as Burundi tried to establish themselves in the contest.

Uganda’s early pressure eventually produced the opening goal in the 22nd minute. Elvis Opakrwoth sent a low ball into the goal area, and Ssozi reacted quickest to finish the move.

The goal rewarded Uganda’s sharper start and placed Burundi in a position where they had to become more adventurous.

Isabirye Protects Uganda’s Advantage

Burundi created opportunities as the first half progressed. Dieudonne Ndikumana fired over following a cutback from Ally Magambo, while Abdoul Rahim Ndizeye sent another effort off target.

Isabirye was then required to make a save from Ali-Ali Sadiki. Uganda also continued searching for a second goal, with Burundi goalkeeper Omari Niyonkuru denying Odiya from close range.

Both teams came close shortly before the interval. Okello struck the upright for Uganda, while Isabirye stopped Nshimirimana at the opposite end.

Those chances demonstrated that the match remained open despite Uganda carrying a one-goal advantage into half-time. Kawowo Sports reported that the third-place play-off was contested in notably hot conditions at Uhuru Stadium.

Kyakuwa Seals the Bronze Medal

Burundi attempted to increase the pressure after the restart. Magambo delivered an inviting cross from the right, but Nshimirimana’s glancing header went wide.

Kingston made Uganda’s first change in the 57th minute, introducing Hakim Wandera for Yashir Mimosa. Burundi also turned to their bench as coach Jean De Dieu Rukundo searched for an equaliser.

Roy Amissi missed a close-range opportunity with approximately 20 minutes remaining. At the other end, Niyonkuru pushed away Wandera’s free kick in the 74th minute.

Uganda subsequently introduced Meddy Mutamba, Joseph Ssendyowa and Simon Wanyama for Isima Magala, Okello and Odiya. Kyakuwa also entered the match and made a decisive impact.

The substitute scored Uganda’s second goal following an assist from Steven Oyirwoth, ending Burundi’s comeback hopes and confirming the bronze medal.

The official CECAFA tournament report confirmed Ssozi and Kyakuwa as Uganda’s scorers in the 2-0 victory. 

Match Summary

Uganda’s Tournament Journey

The Hippos entered the knockout stage after an impressive group campaign. They defeated Djibouti 4-1 and then recorded a 1-0 victory over Sudan through substitute Amour Munogera, finishing top of Group B with six points.

That form made Uganda’s semi-final elimination particularly disappointing. Okello scored after seven minutes against Sudan, while Ssozi later made it 2-2. However, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taoer scored Sudan’s winner in the 83rd minute, completing a 3-2 victory and securing his country’s continental qualification. 

Sudan subsequently defeated hosts Tanzania on penalties to win the regional championship. Both finalists qualified for the 2027 U-20 AFCON, while Uganda and Burundi missed out despite reaching the final four.

What the Bronze Medal Means for Uganda

The medal provides recognition for Uganda’s strong group-stage performances and its response to the painful semi-final defeat. Winning a third-place match requires players to recover physically and mentally within a short period, and the Hippos managed that transition successfully.

Ssozi’s contribution was particularly important. He scored against Sudan in the semi-final and followed it with the opening goal against Burundi. Kyakuwa also demonstrated the value of Uganda’s substitutes by entering the match and scoring the decisive second goal.

However, the campaign must be assessed against the team’s main objective. Uganda wanted to reach the final and qualify for the continental championship. Finishing third represents a respectable result, but it does not erase the disappointment of missing the AFCON place.

The priority should now be ensuring that players receive meaningful club minutes and continue developing beyond youth international competitions.

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Final Thoughts

Uganda’s 2-0 victory over Burundi delivered a deserved bronze medal after a competitive CECAFA U-20 campaign. Ssozi rewarded the Hippos’ strong opening with the first-half breakthrough, while Kyakuwa completed the job after coming from the bench. Although failure to qualify for the 2027 U-20 AFCON will remain the campaign’s biggest disappointment, the response in the play-off demonstrated resilience and provided Uganda’s emerging players with a positive result on which to build.