A goal in each half by Vipers SC striker Yunus Ssentamu was all Micho’s charges needed to stun 2013 African Nations Cup finalists.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga caught the game and rates each Ugandan player that featured. The rating which is out of ten is based on personal observation backed by statistics.
Benjamin Ochan 7.0: The Cranes goalie made two crucial saves to deny the Stallions from equalizing plus is collection of crosses was superb. Nevertheless, he should have done better with the goal Cranes conceded.
Julius Ntambi 7.0: Started ahead of the injured Wadada and didn’t disappoint. He was solid defensively but did little going forward. His combination with Majwega, Kayizzi and later Olaki was brilliant.
Richard Kasagga 8.5: Besides a mistake which he committed in the 12th minute when he lost possession carelessly in a dangerous area, Kasagga was as a hard as a rock. He read the game well and made brilliant interceptions. His calmness reminded me of ex-skipper Ibrahim Ssekagya.
Savio Kabugo 7.5: The SC Victoria University centre back commanded the backline well and didn’t put a foot wrong. He was calm and collected. Subbed for club team mate Martin Mpuuga in the closing stages of the game and Micho will hope he is fit to face Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Isaac Muleme 7.5: He had a good first half defending and attacking in equal measure but faded a bit in the second period . Besides, he should have done better to block Cyrille Bayala’s low shot from going into the net.
Ivan Ntege 7.0: The diminutive midfielder anchored the backline well. He intercepted opponents’ balls nicely and his distribution from deep was also good.
Hassan Wasswa 7.0: The KCC FC midfielder matched the Stallions pound for pound when it came to the physical game. Drew lots of fouls and his passing was also fine.
Denis Guma 6.0: The team skipper started in an unfamiliar slot playing off the lead striker and didn’t play to his known abilities. Besides, he missed two glorious opportunities in each half to extend Uganda’s lead with only the Burkina Faso goalie Mohammad Kabore to beat.
Vincent Kayizzi 7.0: The experienced winger did well especially in the first half as he took the ball to his opponents with confidence. However, not so many crosses from his side and was later withdrawn for Francis Olaki.
Yunus Ssentamu 9.0: He led the line well and scored two brilliant goals. He was calm and composed in the 18 yard box and man of the match without doubt. His positional sense, movement and awareness were a joy to watch.
Brian Majwega 6.0: The KCC FC midfielder had a great understanding with left fullback Muleme and made some good runs towards opponents but failed to deliver when needed most. On a number of occasions, he over carried the ball unnecessarily.
SUBSTITUTES:
Francis Olaki 7.0: He came on for the tired Kayizzi and created Uganda’s second goal with a well weighed cross.
Martin Mpuuga N/A: Replaced Savio Kabugo in the closing stages of the game.
Coach: Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic 9.0:
The Cranes coach got almost everything right. His decision to play Denis Guma as a number 10 ahead of the talented but ineffective Said Kyeyune or Joseph Mpande helped Cranes dominate proceedings the midfield and attack with caution.
His substitution of Vincent Kayizzi for Francis Olaki was also timely and effectively as the latter created the second goal with a top drawer assist.
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