The Cranes were merciless against Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Stars humiliating them with a 3-0 win to storm the finals of the 2012 Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup. A brace from Robert Ssentongo and a goal from Emmanuel Okwi saw off a resilient Kim Poulsen’s team which had not conceded more than a goal before the semi-finals.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga was at Namboole and rates each of the Cranes players that were involved in the game. The rating is out of ten and is based on personal observation and judgment as per player performance on the day. Let’s get started;
HAMZA MUWONGE 6.0:
The Vipers goalie took long to settle into the game and looked panicky when Tanzania was on the attack. His poor game reading in the 16th minute should have given Raphael Bocco an opportunity to level matters but was only saved by Henry Kalungi’s goal line clearance. Besides, his distribution was fine.
DENIS GUMA 8.0:
He had a fantastic game. He was solid at the back and kept danger man Mrisho Alfan Ngassa silent for the entire game. He went ahead to assist Emmanuel Okwi’s goal with a beautiful through ball.
ISAAC ISINDE 8.0:
He continues to prove to Bobby Williamson and his technical team that he should command a starting place in the team regardless of the competition. He was strong in his tackles and read the game well.
HENRY KALUNGI 8.0:
He was colossus at the back. His goal line headed clearance in the 16th minute after Raphael Bocco’s curved shot was the epitome of his performance. He made a number of key interceptions plus kept Bocco quiet for the entire game.
GODFREY WALUSIMBI 8.0:
He had his best game of the tournament so far. He was solid defensively and offered the same offensively. His combination with Joseph Ochaya down the left wing was a thorn in Tanzania’s rear guard. He laid the assist for Robert Ssentongo’s first but Cranes’ second goal.
HASSAN WASSWA 6.5:
He was assured in possession and gave enough protection to the back four though at times struggled against the speedy Mwinyi Kazimoto in Kilimanjaro Stars’ midfield.
GEOFFREY ‘BABA’ KIZITO 7.0:
He was not as dominant in the midfield as in the previous outings but did well against Kazimoto and company in midfield.
MOSES OLOYA 6.5:
He was involved in Robert Ssentongo’s second goal as his fierce shot from a free kick on the edge of the 18 yard box proved too hot for Kasejja to handle. Besides, he had a silent game by his standards. Substituted for Said Kyeyune with five minutes to go.
ROBERT SSENTONGO 9.0:
He was a thorn in Tanzania’s defence for the entire game. He was tireless and a willing runner throughout the 90 minutes. Fought for every ball and on top of all that, he scored a brace that settled the game in Uganda’s favour. He continued to show why he should be starting games for the Cranes.
EMMANUEL OKWI 7.0:
He scored a goal in the 11th minute that broke the deadlock in the game with a fierce shot that left Tanzania’s goalie Juma Kasejja with no chance. He was however withdrawn in the 34th minute after suffering an injury.
JOSEPH OCHAYA 7.5:
He had a fantastic game down the left. He did combine well with Godfrey Walusimbi and initiated the attack that resulted into Cranes second goal. Withdrawn later for Brian Majwega with ten minutes to go.
SUBSITIUTES:
HAMIS KIIZA 7.0:
He came on for the injured Emmanuel Okwi in the 34th minute and did well.
BRIAN MAJWEGA 6.0:
He came on for Joseph Ochaya in the 80th minute and did well with possession.
SAID KYEYUNE 6.0:
He replaced Moses Oloya with five minutes left on the clock and performed well.
Do you agree with these player ratings?