Uganda Hippos stunned hosts and defending champions Zambia in the opening match of the 2017 COSAFA U20 tournament.
Two second half goals from KCCA striker Muhammad Shaban within a space of three minutes were enough for Uganda to cruise past the Young Chipolopolo stars in a perfect start.
In the other fixture in Group A, Malawi edged Swaziland in a five-goal thriller with a 3-2 victory.
Uganda is now top of group A with a better goal difference over Malawi.
Uganda’s next game is against Swaziland on Friday at the Arthur Davis Stadium in Kitwe.
In a related development, North African guests Egypt got their tournament off to a winning start in a hard-fought 1-0 success over Mozambique.
Hussein Abdelkader grabbed the only goal of the game four minutes from time for what turned out to be a deserved victory for the Young Pharaohs.
Only the top team in each pool and the best runner-up advance to the semifinals that will be played on December 14.
Elsewhere, spirits are high in the Uganda Cranes camp with a day left to their second group B fixture against South Sudan in the CECAFA Senior challenge cup 2017 in Kenya.
Cranes kicked off their title defence on low note with a goalless draw against a resilient Burundi side at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Monday afternoon.
Uganda U-20 XI: Saidi Keni (G.K), Fred Okot, Mustapha Kizza (Victor Matovu), Geofrey Wasswa, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Abubakar Kasule, Julius Poloto, Frank Tumwesigye (Shafiq Kuchi Kagimu), Muhammed Shaban, Steven Mukwala, Pius Obuya (Allan Okello)
Subs Not Used: Ali Mwerusi (G.K), Eric Kibowa (G.K), Andrew Isiagi Okiring, Mujahid Ogama, Hamisi Tibita, David Owori
