Uganda Cranes officially exited the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following a slim 1-0 loss to Egypt in their second group D match.
In a well contested match, Micho’s charges gave a good account of themselves but a lapse in concentration saw the 1978 finalists bitterly lose in the dying minutes.
Kawowo Sports Ismael Kiyonga rates each member of the team that played at Stade de Port Gentil.
Denis Onyango 7.0: Unfortunate to concede in the last minutes but was on top of his game until then despite nearly spilling a ball early in the second half. His headed save in the first half showed why he is Africa’s number one at the moment.
Denis Iguma 6.0: He did well against the silky Ramadhan Sobhi defensively and was willing to stay in contention even when beaten. He was however disappointing going forward and his crosses were poor.
Godfrey Walusimbi 6.5: Reinstated at left back and showed why he is still an important player to the team. He defended well and offered support offensively but will be disappointed that he lost his man in the build up to the goal.
Hassan Wasswa 7.0: A man mountain and a colossus at the back. He kept the deadly Mohamed Salah silent as he won almost all battles with the AS Roma forward. He didn’t deserve to be to on the losing side.
Murushid Jjuuko 7.0: He oozed class and elegance on the ball and showed why he was dearly missed against Ghana. He was calm and collected and enjoyed his battle with Mohamed Trezeguet.
Geoffrey Kizito 7.0: He gave the back four good cover and was willing to cover ground. His only undoing were the too many back passes even when unnecessary but had a good game.
Khalid Aucho 7.0: The Baroka man was excellent in midfield and his combination with Mawejje and Baba troubled the well-oiled Egyptian midfield.
Tonny Mawejje 7.0: Started a little slow but grew in stature as the game waned on. He covered the most ground on the pitch and passed the ball well.
Farouk Miya 5.0: He was into oblivion for most parts of the games and isolated as well but when on the ball, he was good.
Geoffrey Massa 5.0: The end is surely nigh for Uganda’s captain. It was one of those games where his effort hardly delivered any product. No hold up play, no attempt on goal and neither did the Egyptian defenders have much trouble.
Joseph Ochaya 7.0: Arguably amongst the Cranes’ best player on the day. His crosses depicted his pre-tournament advert role – to deliver perfect crosses.
Substitutes
Shaban Muhammad 5.0: Replaced Massa with 25 minutes to go but his impact was minimal as he was kept under check by the Pharaohs defence.
Nicholas Wadada 4.5: Came on for Miya in the last ten minutes but looked fazed by stage flight.
Moses Oloya N/A: Came on late to be awarded
