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KCCA’s youngster Alex Yiga netted a brace as the Uganda Cubs made a winning start to the 2022 U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Ethiopia by claiming a resounding 4-0 win over Burundi.
Yiga’s both goals came in the opening half while also Nkoola Arafati and Richard Okello got on target as Uganda secured a comfortable victory.
With just 12 minutes on the clock, Yiga headed Uganda in the league as he rose high at the far post to nod in a well-crafted Abubakari Walusimbi cross.
Nkoola made it two for Uganda in the 38th minute when he headed in from Hakim Wandera freekick.
Just before the break, Yiga completed his brace with a neat finish after he rounded off Burundi goalkeeper Ramadan Ndikumana easily.
The Uganda Cubs went into the break with a deserved 3-0 lead over their opponents.
With 9 minutes into the second half, Uganda extended their lead through Richard Okello who tapped in a well driven Ssembatya Ssonko’s cross.
Uganda had a couple of chances to add on their advantage, but Alex Yiga and substitute Frank Tumwesigye failed to hit the target when they were fed through goal.
Burundi’s best scoring attempt of the game fell to Florient Junior Mugisha midway the closing half, but Uganda Cubs goalie Etuta Siraje made an excellent save to deny him.
With three points in the bag, Uganda will return to action on Thursday against South Sudan, and if they win that game, they will advance to the semi-finals of the qualifying tournament.
The two finalists from this tournament will qualify for the 2023 U17 AFCON finals in Algeria.
