Uganda's U15 national team, the Rhinos, thrashed Benin 5-1 in their Tier C classification semi-final at the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Thursday.
Jefferson Kwikiriza opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Ethan Bakika Tendo doubled the lead four minutes later.
An own goal by Benin's Rialdo made it 3-0 in the 14th minute as the Rhinos dominated early proceedings.
Mathias Muwonge added a fourth in the 26th minute and Angello Kasumba completed the rout with a fifth in the 32nd minute.
The emphatic win offered a timely response after Uganda lost 5-1 to Belarus in the Tier C quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Jonah Muwanguzi scored Uganda's only goal in that quarter-final defeat which ended their main tournament hopes.
Victories over Yemen and Japan earlier in the week had kept the Rhinos alive before the Belarus setback.
The young Ugandans now face France in the fifth-place classification final as they target a respectable finish.
Maiden appearance at the global tournament has shown flashes of attacking potential despite the quarter-final exit.
Coach and players will look to carry the confidence from the Benin thrashing into the final classification match.
Scorers vs Benin
- Jefferson Kwikiriza (7')
- Ethan Bakika Tendo (11')
- Rialdo own goal (14')
- Mathias Muwonge (26')
- Angello Kasumba (32')
Recent Rhinos results
- Beat Yemen (group stage)
- Beat Japan (group stage)
- Lost 5-1 to Belarus (quarter-final)
- Beat Benin 5-1 (5th place semi-final)
- vs France (5th place final, pending)
Source: Kawowo Sports
