Geoffrey Sserunkuma scored a late equaliser but it was too little too late as Uganda Cranes bowed out of the 2016 Africa Nations Championship at the group stages.
Nevertheless, the stalemate with Zimbabwe helped the Cranes finish third on the group D log with just two points as Zambia and Mali advanced.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga rates the players that took to Umuganda stadium, Rubavu.
James Alitho 6.0: He was preferred ahead of Kigonya. He couldn’t be faluted for the goal conceded and made a beautiful one to keep the score line at 1-0 midway the second half.
Joseph Nsubuga 3.0: He had a poor day at office after being preferred ahead of Denis Okot. He did struggle all day and handled the ball a record four times.
Joseph Ochaya 5.0: He had an average performance by his standards. He shares the blame on the goal Uganda conceded as he should have done better tracking the opponent.
Bernard Muwanga 5.0: He wasn’t at his best again and his partnership with Kasagga remains in doubt. He was caught out of position on a number of occasions although he read the game well at times.
Richard Kasagga 5.0: He was not authoritative and never commanded his backline well. Caught flat footed for the goal The Cranes conceded. Withdrawn for striker Ceaser Okhuti in the second half.
Ivan Ntege 6.0: He covered the most ground of all Cranes players on the pitch. At times, he left the backline exposed and should have closed William Manondo before he left the backline for dead.
Timothy Awani 6.0: Not a bad performance but his lose pass led to the goal the Cranes conceded. He made up for the mistake with an assist late on.
Kezironi Kizito 5.0: Pretty anonymous apart from the odd magical through ball. Wasted chance to prove he can dominate a very physical opponent.
Farouk Miya 6.5: The captain returned to the team and was unfortunate to miss on the score sheet after his header, free kick and shot from just inside the area were all saved.
Erisa Ssekisambu 5.0: Another average performance from the Vipers striker. He wasted a chance in the second half as he shot wide and wild at the edge of the area.
Isaac Muleme 5.0: He started to offer an alternative but the lack of a recognized centre forward made The Cranes more flat. Withdrawn later in the second half.
Substitutes
Ceaser Okhuti 6.0: He came on as Uganda’s search for the equalizing goal gained momentum and had a great shot saved just minutes after coming on.
Geoffrey Sserunkuma 7.0: He ensured The Cranes bowed out with pride with a typical Sserunkuma goal late in the game. One chance, one goal.
Edirisa Lubega 6.0: The youngster made a cameo appearance midway the second half and nearly scored. Good debut performance.
