Uganda Cranes were on Saturday evening declared Champions of this year’s Cecafa Tusker Cup for a record 13th time after defeating neighbours Kenya 2-1 in a closely contested final played at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Anthony Kimani scored in his own net in the 27th minute before Edwin Lavasta levelled matters for the Harambe Stars. With one minute left on the clock, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito headed home the winner to send the Cranes wild.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga caught the grand finale and rates each of the players that took to the field from both teams. The rating is out of ten and based on each player’s performance on the day as the writer observed. Let’s get started;
UGANDA CRANES:
HAMZA MUWONGE 6.0: He conceded for the first time in this tournament. He had a good game, collected crosses and his distribution was also fantastic.
DENIS GUMA 5.5: He had bad day at office throughout the 90 minutes. He was so much troubled by Clifton Miheso, Mike Barasa and later Paul Were. It was him beaten to the ball that resulted into Harambe Stars equaliser.
GODFREY WALUSIMBI 70: He was solid defensively and limited Edwin Lavasta to a few crosses into the area. Nevertheless, he didn’t offer much going up front as usual.
ISAAC ISINDE 7.5: The Cranes number 5 had an uphill task against Mike Barasa and later Ramah Salim but did exceptionally well. He should however have done better with the goal Cranes conceded.
HENRY KALUNGI 7.5: He was composed as usual and his decision making was also fine. Though he lost Edwin Lavasta for Kenya’s equaliser, he had a good game.
HASSAN WASSWA 5.5: The Cranes skipper struggled against Humphrey Mieno and Anthony Kimani Njenga in Kenya’s midfield but his interceptions at certain moments were excellent.
GEOFFREY ‘BABA’ KIZITO 7.0: He scored the goal that won the championship for the Cranes but didn’t have the best of games as he was dominated by the talented Humphrey Mieno in the centre of the pack.
MOSES OLOYA 6.5: He struggled against Kenyan left fullback Abdallah Juma and wasted possession on a number of occasions. His cross on the right however led to the hand ball which earned Uganda a free kick from which the winning goal was scored.
ROBERT SSENTONGO 7.5: He had a torrid time against Harambe Stars’ centre back pairing of Joackins Atudo and David Owino (later David Ochieng). Nevertheless, he struck the free kick that resulted into the winning goal plus his cross into the area deflected off Anthony Kimani for Uganda’s opening goal.
EMMANUEL OKWI 6.0: He was lethargic in front of goal as he wasted many scoring opportunities. He was replaced by Said Kyeyune with 25 minutes left to play.
JOSEPH OCHAYA 6.0: He started the game brightly but faded as Kenyans settled into the game. He was replaced with Hamis Kiiza ten minutes into the second half.
SUBSTITUTES:
HAMIS KIIZA 6.0: He came on for Joseph Ochaya but struggled as Kenyans dominated possession. His work rate was fine though as he chased for every ball.
SAID KYEYUNE 6.0: His flashes of brilliance where visible when he came on for Emma Okwi but always went into oblivion with Kenya in possession.
MANKO KAWESA N/A
KENYA HARAMBE STARS:
DUNCAN OCHIENG 6.0: He had nothing to do with both goals he conceded. Besides, he was not much tested as Uganda’s attack looked blunt but was always available when called upon.
ANTHONY MODO KIMANI 6.5: Un lucky to score in his own goal but kept Joseph Ochaya and later Hamis Kiiza quiet for most of the game.
ABDALLAH JUMA 6.0: He handled the ball that resulted into a free kick from which Uganda scored the winner but besides that, he had a good game against Oloya and initiated most of the attacks down the left wing including the one that resulted into an equaliser.
DAVID ODHAIAMBO OWINO 6.0: He pulled a harm string in the first half that led to his substitution but before that, he had done well against Ssentongo and Okwi.
JOACKINS ATUDO 7.5: He had the composure when on the ball and was calm throughout the game. Read the game well and initiated Kenya’s build up play from the defence.
DAVID OCHIENG 7.5: Before Owino’s withdrawal, he had a good game playing in front of the back four. He later returned to centre back after Owino’s substitution and did well against Ssentongo and company.
ANTHONY KIMAN NJENGA 7.5: He had a wonderful game against the Cranes and was one of the reasons Harambe Stars dominated Uganda in the midfield. He was tireless and willing to run. He intercepted Uganda’s passes towards the 18 yard box and his passing of the ball was also excellent.
HUMPHREY MIENO 8.5: He was simply the best player on the pitch. He dictated the tempo of the game whenever he had possession. Always assured in possession and had an eye for a dangerous pass. His through ball that beat the entire Cranes defence to find Lavasta in the 44th minute which the Gor Mahia forward shot on the post was one of the game’s high lights. He was the difference between the two teams in midfield. The Harambe Stars’ number 16 didn’t deserve to be on a losing side.
CLIFTON MIHESO 6.0: He lost so much possession especially in the opening minutes of the game but was always willing to take on his man and give Denis Guma some torrid moments. Withdrawn for Ramah Salim just five minutes as the second half was under way.
EDWIN LAVASTA 7.5: He played his best game of the tournament. He scored the only goal that went past Hamza Muwonge with a brilliant finish and troubled the Uganda rear guard with his height.
MIKE BARASA 7.0: The veteran striker troubled the Uganda Cranes backline with his pace, skill and energy. He held up play well and gave Guma torrid moments when he switched to the left in the second half. Excellent game.
SUBSTITUTES:
KEVIN OMONDI 6.0: He came on for the injured David Owino but went missing for most of the game. No wonder Coach James Nandwa later replaced him with Paul Were.
RAMAH SALIM 7.5: Came on for Clifton Miheso and injected pace into the game. He nearly won Kenya a penalty after he was fouled by Isaac Isinde on the edge of the 18 yard box.
PAUL WERE 7.0: He came on for Kevin Omondi and created Kenya’s goal with a brilliant by line low cross after beating Denis Guma for dead with his pace and trickery.
Do you agree with the ratings?
