A goal in each half from Jacob Keli and Michael Olunga saw Uganda Cranes beaten 2-0 by defending champions Kenya in their first match of the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
The Cranes were far from impressive as the rating of the players that took to the field although some really impressed.
James Alitho 7.5: He was arguably Uganda’s best player on the day as he kept the score line respectable with a number of fine saves.
Denis Okot 6.0: He was brilliant going forward but often forgot his defensive duties as witnessed in the build up to the second goal where he was caught out of position.
Isaac Muleme 5.0: He was preferred at left back but wasn’t up to the task as his defending was woeful and failed to offer nothing going forward. No wonder, he was replaced at half time.
Murushid Jjuuko 5.5: He was slow in reaction and often, his partnership with Shafik Bakaki seemed not to work.
Shafik Bakaki 5.0: He was in the sixes and sevens as he failed to tame the fast Olunga, Keli and Were. He looked confused.
Hassan Wasswa Dazo 4.5: Surprisingly started ahead of either Keziron Kizito or Ivan Ntege in defensive midfield role. Looked confused and uncomfortable as he lost possession with ease. Replaced after 45 minutes.
Muzamiru Mutyaba 5.0: He was into oblivion for most parts of the game as Teddy Akumu and Collins Okoth dominated the midfield.
Farouk Miya 5.5: The team skipper failed live up to his billing as he was outmuscled by the physical Kenyans. He missed the game’s best chance late on as shot over the bar with only the goalie to beat.
Erisa Sekisambu 6.0: He combined well with Denis Okot down the right and looked one of the few Cranes lively players on an off day. It was amazing to see him hauled off after 64 minutes for Frank Kalanda.
Ceaser Okhuti 6.0: He was tireless and fought for every ball but the defensive pair of David Owino and David Ochieng gave him no chance. He was also a culprit for missing the game’s first clear opportunity in the 20th minute.
Joseph Ochaya 5.0: He started up front as a left winger but was so relaxed and not full of energy. His crosses were wanting and even when he was reinstated at left back in the second half, he wasn’t impressive.
Substitutes
Frank Kalanda 5.0: He came on for Sekisambu but could do little to get a goal for Uganda.
Keziron Kizito 6.5: His introduction gave the Cranes a little difference in the midfield but it was too little too late.
Ivan Ntege 5.5: Like Kizito, Ntege’s introduction saw Cranes swing midfield dominance into Uganda’s favour but he should have done better in the build up to Kenya’s second goal.
Coach: Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic 5.0:
Only he knows why he opted for three centre backs with Hassan Wasswa playing in the middle leaving the natural anchormen Ivan Ntege and Kezironi Kizito on the bench.
Again, his withdraw of the lively Erisa Sekisambu for Frank Kalanda also raised a few eyebrows.
