Uganda Cranes twice threw away a goal lead as they settled for a 2-2 draw with 2014 quarter finalists Mali at the Umuganda stadium, Rubavu.
Erisa Sekisambu gave the Cranes a lead off Farouk Miya free kick before the team skipper netted a second from a penalty won by the former with five minutes left on the clock in the first half.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga rates the players on the day
Ismael Watenga 6.0: Had little to do with the goal conceded after his back-line was well beaten. Unfortunate to be stretchered off after suffering a hamstring three minutes after the break.
Denis Okot Oola 5.0: He wasn’t authoritative with both defending and going forward as he usually does.
Joseph Ochaya 6.5: One of Uganda’s best performers on the day though he must improve his defending. Going forward, his crosses were teasing and did well.
Richard Kasagga 6.0: He was fortunate not to be sent off for a two footed lunge in the first half. His big frame helped in defending the big Malian forwards but was disturbed by their mobility.
Bernard Muwanga 5.0: He should have done better with both goals the Cranes conceded. He gave much space to Sekou Koita for first goal and the ball deflected off him for a second.
Timothy Awani 4.0: He started the game brightly but faded in the second half as he offered less cover to the backline.
Keziron Kizito 5.0: Like Awani, he started well but faded as the game waned on with Mali in full force especially in the second period.
Farouk Miya 7.0: He made the assist for the first goal and kept his cool to convert from 12 yards. He was unfortunate not to win a penalty towards the end of the first half and injury forced him out of the game at half time.
Erisa Ssekisambu 7.0: Another brilliant performer on the day for the Cranes. Arguably, Uganda’s most dangerous player going forward. He scored the opener and won the penalty. Man of the match for the Cranes in my observation.
Ceaser Okhuti 5.0: He offered less in attack and wasn’t available to help track when Mali attacked. No wonder, he was replaced with Martin Kizza in the second half.
Robert Ssentongo 4.0: He struggled against the big Mali centre back Assoko Hamid but was willing to fight for the ball every time it was floated. He was stretchered off at the death of the game with what appeared as a hamstring.
Substitutes
Muzamiru Mutyaba 5.0: He came on for the injured Miya at the start of the second half and was brilliant when he had possession but poor without it.
Mathias Kigonya 6.0: He made a match winning save to deny the Eagles although he should have commanded his backline better with the second goal.
Martin Kizza 5.0: He replaced Okhuti and offered Ochaya support both in defence and attack.
