By 
Uganda Rhinos bounced back from an opening-day setback in emphatic fashion, thrashing Equatorial Guinea 6-0 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday.
Anthony Bongole’s youngsters needed a response after suffering a painful 4-3 defeat to Kyrgyz Republic in their opening game on Saturday, and they delivered one with a ruthless attacking performance at the Hovsan Competition Complex.
Frank Baluku started the rout from the penalty spot in the 10th minute before Angello Kasumba doubled Uganda’s advantage just two minutes later.
Ivan Kiganda then made it 3-0 in the 13th minute as the Rhinos struck three times in the space of four minutes to take firm control of the contest.
Mathias Muwonge joined the scoring party in the 17th minute to stretch Uganda’s advantage to four.
There was no way back for Equatorial Guinea, with Jefferson Kwikiriza adding a fifth in the 26th minute before Ian Wafula completed the demolition three minutes later.
The victory was Uganda’s first of the tournament and provided the perfect response to Saturday’s dramatic loss to Kyrgyz Republic.
There will be little time for the Rhinos to celebrate, with Bongole’s side returning to action later on Sunday against Cabo Verde at 5:15pm.
The game will be Uganda’s second of the day and third of the qualification stage.
Uganda will then continue their Group U programme on Monday, with Ecuador and Tonga also among their remaining opponents.
The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is being played in an eight-a-side format, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves.
Results from the qualification stage determine where teams are placed for the second phase, which is divided into six performance tiers. Every participating team continues playing regardless of its qualification-stage results, while the eventual Tier A winner will be crowned the overall champion.
