CAF Confederations CUP 2015: Preliminary Round (1st Leg):
URA F.C (Uganda) 3-2 ASSM Elegco Plus F.C (Madagascar)
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) F.C twice came from a goal down to master mind a 3-2 home victory over Madagarscan club, ASSM Elgeco Plus Football Club in the CAF Confederations cup fixture played on a wet Nelson Mandela stadium turf.
Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye was in the stands and keenly caught every minute of proceedings in a goal laden fixture watched by less than 200 spectators.
Here are the URA F.C individual player ratings (out of 10).
Brian Bwete (G.K) – 5.5
Hardly exposed until the two penalties in the second half. He did not save any ball in the first half as the opposition’ s three attempts flew over the bar.
His command on the day was top class although he would have done better on the second penalty converted by striker, Deanny Rajaorimanana.
Simeon Massa (C) -7
At 30 plus, Massa still reserves the calories to defend, attack and hurl out countless instructions as a skipper.
The ageless skipper perfectly did that for 90 minutes against ASSM Elegco Plus, hit the wood work in the first half and delivered a descent cross down the right for Ssentongo’s sublime first touched second goal on the day.
Suffered a knock from Jocelyn Mihor Ravelonjanabhary but gallantly played on like a wounded lion in the jungle.
Samuel Sekitto -4. 5
Lost and found on many occasions due to stage freight, Sekitto eventually caught up with the game tempo and demands.
He only resurrected after URA were reduced to 10 men with more than half an hour to play. Disturbed by the pace of Tojo Claudel Fanamezana but settled in well as the game progressed.
Samuel Senkoomi -5
Like Sekitto, he did a lot of ground cover when the team was a man down. Good command of the defence and great ball distribution.
Jonathan Mugabi -4
Initially, his partnership with Senkoomi was suspect in the early stages of the game. He was the man sacrificed after that professional foul sent him to the coolers, but before the incident, the towering center half was marking, commanding well.
Oscar Agaba -5
Contemporary holding midfielders play that box – to – box role. Agaba does not have that energy but credited for the discipline to remain in the ‘hole’.
His battles with Ndrantoharilala Ranainoson and Deanny Rajaorimanana were as eye catching.
Narrowly survived a send off when he brought down Mario Bakary in the area – in the second penalty URA conceded.
Saidi Kyeyune – 4.5
The crafty midfielder has continued to proudly wear the mask ‘the next promising super star’. He was out muscled by the Elegeco’s holding gem, Deanny Rajaorimanana. His passes completed still need to multiple given the huge potential he possesses.
Later replaced by winning goal hero, Frank Kalanda.
Patrick Ochan – 4
Another alarming day at office for the towering midfielder. He struggled as a center forward and he would often withdraw to participate in midfield chores. He passed well in the opening 30 minutes but ran out of steam as the game progressed.
Paved way for creative midfield ace, Mohammoud Feni.
Peter Lwasa -5
Wingers have special weapons, whereas majority dwell on exceptional trickery skills, others thrieve on pace, beating the opponent to the by-line and executing the final ball.
Lwasa proudly belongs to the latter class. His long bursting runs down the right with a few counted crosses might have burnt him down before he was replaced by the lively Elukana Nkugwa.
Robert Sentongo -7.5
After a series of missed opportunities in the opening half that included a sitter off James Kasibante’s cross from the left, Sentongo’s goal poaching traits came to life in the second stanza of the game.
The sublime first touch and swift turn for the opening goal was world class. But again, the awesome positional sense for the second off the ever fresh Simone Masa defines a typical goal poacher.
James Kasibante -6
Crossed several decent balls for Sentongo and delieved 7 of URA’S 8 first half corners. His involvement of teammates is his other strong point but has a weakness to fall back and assist the left back.
Subs:
Elukana Nkugwa -5.5
Injected pace and agility to the URA attack. Still has issues to guard possession jealously.
Frank Kalanda – 6
Typical goal poacher was at the right place and timing to tap in winners after ASSM Elegco Plus’ goalie had spilled ball in his path.
Credited for scoring the winner but his over excitement in the goal celebration by removing shirt earned him a ‘useless booking’
Mohammoud Feni – 6
Might have used the plat form to internally communicate to the URA F.C technical team, he was not to start on the ‘bench’ – at least not at the moment.
His combination with Nkugwa, Kasibante and Sentongo was a partnership mended on the Mars Planet and blessed by Heaven Angels.
Subs Not Used:
Sulait Luyima (Goal Keeper), Yassar Mugerwa, Ronald Kigongo, Jimmy Kulaba
