Uganda Cranes survived an onslaught against Rwanda’s Amavubi to qualify for the finals of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2018 finals due in Kenya next year.
The Cranes lost 2-0 thanks to goals from Yannick Mukunzi and Thierry Manzi following a shaky start but improved in the second half to keep the results at that and reach a fourth consecutive finals.
It was the first away test for coaches Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba but how did the players rate on the day.
Ismail Watenga 7.5: Arguably Cranes best player on the day as he kept the hosts at bay with excellent saves especially in the second half.
Nicholas Wadada 5.0: A first half to forget for the Vipers’ right back as he was torn apart in the first quarter of the game by danger man Savio Nshuti.
Isaac Muleme 5.5: Like Wadada, Muleme also started poorly and troubled by the hosts’ brilliant wing play but was much improved in the second half.
Paul Musamali 5.0: Looked shaky in the opening half hour as he was in sixes and sevens against Kevin Muhire and company in Rwanda attack but much better after recess.
Timothy Awany 5.5: Not the best of performances from the returning centre back but did well physically against the imposing Abeddy Birahamaire.
Bernard Muwanga 5.5: Not the best of covers to the backline but fought for every ball and as a leader, encouraged his lads to keep the belief even after conceding two early goals.
Muzamiru Mutyaba 5.0: Often dislodged off possession by Rwanda’s midfield gem Yannick Mukunzi and missed arguably Uganda’s best chance with the game at 1-0.
Moses Waiswa 5.0: Brilliant on the ball but into oblivion when the hosts had possession. Later withdrawn for
Milton Karisa 5.0: Enterprising and willing to chase after every ball and also helped out Wadada defensively.
Derrick Nsibambi 5.5: Despite not getting much of the ball, he was a threat whenever in possession and appeared the most likely source of goal for a disjointed Cranes side.
Shafik Kagimu 6.5: The Cranes best creative player on the day as he confidently beat his men with ease and also slid some good balls to split the Rwanda defence.
Substitutes
Martin Kizza 5.0: His introduction offered width to the Uganda Cranes on the left.
Paul Mucureezi 5.5: Denied a clear penalty in the 84th minute after it appeared though he was tripped in the area.
Erisa Ssekisambu: N/a
Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba 7.0: The duo stuck with an attacking eleven and credit to them, they never panicked into making changes even when the team went 2-0 down inside fifteen minutes.
