Kingston: We take every match as it comes

Laryea Kingston wants no early celebrations from Uganda’s U-20 side despite their flying start to the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers.

The Hippos opened their Group B campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Djibouti at Dar es Salaam’s Uhuru Stadium on Tuesday, but Kingston was quick to shift attention to the work ahead.

“We take every match as it comes and work hard to get a win,” the Uganda coach said.

His message came after Uganda wasted several chances before eventually putting the game beyond Djibouti.

Isima Magala, recently promoted from the U-17 ranks, needed just five minutes to announce himself on the continental stage, giving Uganda an early lead.

Djibouti hit back through substitute Ishak Tahir in the 23rd minute, with Tahir beating goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye to level the contest.

The equaliser briefly threatened to unsettle Uganda, but captain Richard Okello and his teammates kept coming. Okello, a former Uganda Cubs captain, led the charge as Uganda attacked in numbers, although their finishing let them down.

The pressure finally told at the stroke of halftime when Genesis Ocen Odiya restored Uganda’s lead. There was no let-up after the break as the Hippos returned with greater purpose and pinned Djibouti deep in their half. Okello then got his reward for his leadership and industry, scoring after 60 minutes to put the Hippos 3-1 ahead.

Magala completed his brace soon after, stretching the lead to 4-1 and effectively killing Djibouti’s hopes of a comeback. Djibouti resorted to shooting from outside the box, but Isabirye remained largely untroubled as Uganda saw out the victory.

Hippos start AFCON U20 Qualifiers with victory over minnows Djibouti

From Kingston’s perspective, the result matters more than the missed chances.

Uganda now sit top of Group B with three points, four goals scored and a plus three goal difference, after conceding once. Djibouti are bottom without a point, while Sudan have yet to play.

The Hippos will now turn their attention to Sudan in their final preliminary-stage match, knowing another strong performance could take them closer to their continental target.

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