If there was one member of the Uganda Cranes squad who might have had to suppress a smile when skipper Andrew Mwesigwa got a booking for a foul on Jonathan Ayite in the 1-0 loss to Togo, it was Isaac Isinde.
With Mwesigwa now suspended for the return match in Lome, it is assumed that Isinde will return to the starting team after losing his place to Savio Kabugo after the latter impressed since the 1-1 draw in Ghana.
However, Isinde is not the option available to coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic ahead of the crunch tie as Murushid Jjuuko, Martin Kizza and even Denis Iguma can play the role but who is more suited? Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga writes on each of the four candidates.
Isaac Isinde (Electricity FC – Ethiopia)
He is the most experienced of the available options with over 29 international caps. A good game reader and despite his size, he is good in the air.
However, his form had deteriorated before the group games the reason Kabugo took over his place.
With a game of such a magnitude, Isinde’s experience will most probably grant him a slot ahead of the rest.
Martin Kizza (Tusker FC, Kenya)
The Tusker FC defender’s gallant performances in KPL earned him a call up to the team and surprisingly made the 18 man squad to Lome.
He has a big physique, good in the air and on the ground which could make him a perfect centre back against the tall and big Togolese forwards led by Tottenham Hotspurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Murushid Jjuuko (SC Victoria University, Uganda)
A youthful centre back, inexperienced but with a big heart. Jjuuko is a hard tackler, good with his feet and head.
Besides, he plays with Kabugo at SC Victoria University and thus the telepathy is already there. For that, he may perhaps get a nod ahead of his more experienced compatriots.
Denis Iguma (SC Victoria University, Uganda)
He is an assured starter at right back but he is a natural centre back. Iguma is the best game reader of the available lot. His strength in the air, on the ground and upstairs makes him a good centre back.
Like Murushid, Iguma has also ever played as a partner to Kabugo at SCVU.
And if you play him at centre back, Kizza can slot in at right back a position he normally plays at his club perfectly.