Uganda 1-1 Gambia (International Build Up Result)
One renowned philosopher, Ronarinator is remarkably quoted, ‘When opportunity knocks, you build a door’.
As the Uganda Cranes engaged the Scorpions from Gambia on Heroes’ day at Nelson Mandela stadium during the 1 all international build up fixture, it was a clear cut opportunity knocking on the home side’s door ahead of the Botswana AFCON 2017 qualifier this coming Saturday.
Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye watched the fixture and rates (out of 10) each of the Uganda Cranes players that took part in the fixture played before largely an empty stadium.
DENNIS ONYANGO – 6.5
The Mamelodi Sun Downs shot stopper has continued to display enviable antics on every occasion he is donning the national team jersey.
He was hardly checked for the opening 45 minutes of play but rose highest where it mattered most, saving a squared ball off the feet of Swansea danger man, Barrow Modou, an incident that also inflicted chest pains after a physical confrontation.
He excelled at the defence command as usual with quick reflexes off the crossings.
Onyango left a clean sheet before he later paved way for Robert Odongkara by the onset of the second half
DENNIS IGUMA – 6
Returning for the first after a long spell out of the national team setting, Iguma did not disappoint. He balanced attack and defence with well timed tackles to thwart the Middlesborough gangly winger, Mustapha Carayul for long spells of the opening stanza of the game.
ALEX KAKUBA – 5.5
Started in his second game for the Cranes at left back since the March international build up in Ibom state against Nigeria Super Eagles.
Primary task of defending won him the marks but still needs to polish venturing upfront.
His only blemish was the mis-kick of the ball at some stage in the second half.
ISAAC ISINDE – 6
The St George defender enjoyed a great partnership with Richard Kasagga in the heart of defence.
He surely thrives on excellent game reading to counter all his imbalances.
RICHARD KASAGGA – 7
The Lebanese based defender had one of his best evening in the Uganda Cranes shirt.
He takes the Man of the match award for solid defending, box to box mentality and calmness at the heart of defence.
He would have scored from two headed attempts off the set pieces of Farouk Miya and another Brian Majwega in swinging corner.
Had a great partnership with Isinde in central defence. Later played with Iguma when Bakaki was drifted to the right after Cranes conceded.
DERRICK TEKKWO – 5.5
The anchorman enjoyed another epoch of glory in the Black, Yellow and Red stripes after the March build up in Nigeria.
He loves to tackle but still needs to make better use of the ball won.
Tekkwo’s passing against Gambia was suspect but his desire and heart to play the beautiful game will surely reap him instant dividends.
KHALID AUCHO – 5.5
The Gor Mahia left footed player had a silent first half but rose to the stage in the closing half.
His long diagonal balls and overall ball distribution are a joy to watch but still needs to improve on the tackling
FAROUK MIYA – 5
Industrious and diligent as always but impatient to execute the final ball. Miya was culprit of the numerous
YUNUS SENTAMU – 5
The CS Safien forward narrowly put Uganda ahead had the wood work not stopped his goal bound header off Massa’s cross down the left.
A positive in his game was witnessing him shoot with either foot from near and far.
Had a relatively good first half before being replaced by the goal scorer, Robert Sentongo.
GEOFREY MASSA – 5:
The newly acquired Bloemfontein Celtics striker was the team captain and shouted instructions on the pitch like a typical commander in chief.
Massa’s work rate has never been in question but queries arise from the conversion rate.
Missed two chances after goal keeper, Jobe Modou denied him on two counts.
He decently crossed for Sentamu who headed off the goal bar.
BRIAN MAJWEGA – 4
The Azam F.C left winger is usually exciting and a joy to watch down the left flank.
Against Gambia, he just failed to execute what he is known for – beating the forthcoming opponent for tricks and pace, then executing that pin point cross.
He found it difficult to beat Sulayman Marreh and Dauda Ngum, little wonder therefore, Massa a center forward registered more crosses from the left than Majwega
He was later replaced by Brian Umony.
SUBS:
ROBERT ODONGKARA – 4.5
Replaced Denis Onyango at half time. The St George F.C’s lanky shot stopper keeps improving on aspects of his game that require ‘urgent surgery’.
Good restart of play but would have done better to commanded Bakaki – via positioning and what to do at the right time.
BRIAN UMONY – 5
Replaced Brian Majwega at half time. He is credited for setting up Sentongo for the goal.
The St George forward’s incredible ‘leaps off the blocks’ are a secret weapon and his involvement
SHAFIKI BAKAKI – 4
You would commiserate with the young and promising U-23 defender. He choked at the biggest day of his career, where he was debuting.
His indecisiveness to clear the ball to safety cost Uganda another famous victory at Namboole stadium.
Perhaps, there is room for improvement for the utility defender, who quickly stabilized at right back when he changed position
ROBERT SENTONGO – 6
World over, Strikers are primarily judged by the number of goals scored. He replaced Sentamu at the break and giving the hosts the lead off a headed effort was perfect value for money for his inclusion.
The URA diminutive forward therefore left a statement of intent, he ought to start against Botswana come Saturday.
YASSER MUGERWA – 4.5
Replaced Tekkwo at half time. He lost possession too easily at one many occasions and was drifted almost in every midfield position including along the flanks.
BOBAN ZIRINTUNSA (Not Rated)
Played less than 5 minutes plus added time to make any visible impact
HASSAN WASSWA MAWANDA (Did Not Play)
