Round 1: Togo 0 Uganda 1
Round 2: Sunday>> Uganda v Togo
Uganda Cranes earned a precious 1-0 away victory against Togo thanks to a lone goal from Farouk Miya six minutes to end the first half.
The goal and victory is Uganda’s first ever over the Sparrow Hawks who travel to Kampala in the return leg on Sunday but how did the Cranes players rate on the day.
Denis Onyango 9.0: Heroic last line of defence. Solid saves from Mamah, Serge Gakpe and most importantly Dossevi second half penalty. He had a commanding presence and without doubt; man of the match.
Denis Iguma 6.5: Weathered an early storm winger Atakora and responded well. He was calm even under pressure as Togo launched attacks via his side endlessly.
Joseph Ochaya 7.5: Like Iguma, Ochaya started slowly but grew in confidence as the game went on. Picked moments to go on the offensive so well and pivoted well to help his central defence and was involved in the goal credited to Miya by FIFA.com.
Isaac Isinde 7.0: Organised a deep defence to nullify the hosts’ attack although his first half mistake nearly led Togo to scoring.
Murushid Jjuuko 7.0: He was calm and composed. Read the game well and his movements also fine.
Tonny Mawejje 8.5: Swamped at times by Togo’s midfield especially in the first half but he didn’t only screen his back four but also came close with a hard shot inside the area midway the second half.
Aucho Khalid 7.5: At his best linking defence to attack with his range of passing. Strong in the tackle and kept discipline.
Farouk Miya 7.0: He was into oblivion till the 39th minute when he won a free kick that resulted into the winner. Took the free kick with precision for his second goal in West Africa having scored against Nigeria in a friendly early this year.
Moses Oloya 6.0: He was quite by his standards though he held the ball well at times. No surprise at his withdrawal midway the second half.
Hamis Kiiza 5.0: He failed to replicate his club form. Got little service up front and unfortunately gave away a penalty that was saved by Massa. Replaced with Brian Umony a few minutes into the second half.
Geoffrey Massa 7.0: He led the line well although like Kiiza, got little service in the first half. The away goal remains elusive for the Bloemfontein Celtic man.
Substitutes
Brian Umony 5.0: Should have done better with the two chances presented to him although he appeared to have won a penalty which referee never gave.
Geoffrey Kizito 5.0: Replaced Vietnam based compatriot Oloya and increased numbers in the middle as Cranes held on to the lead.
Ceaser Okhuti 5.0: Should have doubled the Cranes lead when played through on goal but his decision making let him down as the goalie took the ball off his feet.
COACH: Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic 8.0:
His team earned their luck especially with the penalty save but his strategy worked as the team was solid at the back and dangerous on the break. Chose a good line up and made the right subsititutions.
Credits: Kawowo Sports.
