Uganda Cranes scrapped through to the pre-group qualifying stage of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup after beating visiting Madagascar 1-0 in a game played on Saturday May 31 at Namboole.
Geoffrey Massa’s first half strike helped the Cranes go through on away goals rule despite tying 2-2 on aggregate. Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga rates each Cranes player that featured in the game. The ratings are out of ten and based on statistics and personal observation.
Denis Onyango 6.5: He had little to do as Madagascar offered little in attack but was alert when called upon. His collection of crosses was perfect. Nevertheless, his misguided clearance almost caused Cranes problems.
Denis Iguma 6.5: He did well stopping the Madagascar left winger Andriatsima and also manned the entire line. In the first half, he made a good cross to Massa who failed to net from close range.
Brian Majwega 6.5: Surprisingly started at left back ahead of Joseph Ochaya and Isaac Muleme but did well. He tamed danger man Rakotonomenjanahary Baggio for the entire time he was on the pitch and also provided support going forward.
Andrew Mwesigwa 5.0: The Cranes skipper was lucky to be part of the clean sheet keeping back-line. His game reading and command of his rearguard were not up to the mark. His back pass header to Onyango should have resulted into the Malagasy goal but Onyango saved.
Isaac Isinde 5.0: Like his partner, Isinde also had an average game. He gave away so many fouls and almost scored in his own net under pressure. Nevertheless, he was part of the clean sheet.
Aucho Khalid 8.0: The youthful midfielder put up a gallant performance in the centre of the pack. He intercepted opponents’ moves and his distribution of the ball was fantastic. Unlucky to miss on the score sheet after his 22nd minute shot was saved by Rakotonirina. He is undoubtedly the man of the match.
Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito 5.5: The Gor Mahia FC player did a good job marshaling the midfield alongside Khalid in the midfield. His passing was fine and linked attack to defence well. However, he was too slow on the ball and beaten to a number of balls.
William Luwagga Kizito 7.5: A brilliant performance from the Corvilha play-maker. He started the game slowly but later exerted his influence with good dribbling and also made fine passes including an assist for Massa’s winner. Unlucky not to score in the 66th minute after his volley was blocked by Johan Paul in Madagascar defence. Replaced by Yunus Sentamu in a time wasting tactic in the 90th minute.
Moses Oloya 7.0: Another outstanding performer in the Cranes team. He fearlessly took on the Madagascar players and his passing was excellent. He was involved in Cranes goal after making a nice pass to Luwagga who crossed for Massa. Substituted for Tonny Mawejje with ten minutes left on the clock.
Emma Okwi 4.0: The Yanga SC striker had an off day. For the entire time he got on the pitch, he failed to make a telling contribution. It was no surprise he came off for Hamis Kiiza in the 70th minute.
Geoffrey Massa 7.0: He scored the only goal of the game that sent Cranes to the next stage but a culprit for missing clear cut opportunities too. Had Uganda failed to progress, he would have carried the blame. Needless to say, his hold up play was fine.
Substitutes:
Hamis Kiiza 6.0: Came on for the ineffective Emma Okwi and did well. He laid a good pass for Massa only for the Pretoria University striker to miss after beating the goalie.
Tonny Mawejje 5.0: Surprisingly started on the bench and did averagely when he came on Oloya with ten minutes to play.
Yunus Sentamu N/a: Replaced Luwagga Kizito in the closing stages of the game. He had no chance to impress.
