In what seems like a common occurrence when facing ‘big sides’ in the Uganda Premier League, Sam Ssimbwa offered up another tactical masterclass on Tuesday as URA defeated Police two-nil at Lugogo.
Inspired by skipper Shafiq Kagimu who scored one and assisted the other, the tax collectors put up a near-perfect performance to end Police’s run of five straight home wins this season.
Obviously, the systems and philosophies of both coaches are fairly predictable. However, it was Ssimbwa’s adjustments, particularly the defensive setup that saw his side gain a deserved three points. Police were uncharacteristically poor in possession but it had a lot to do with how Ssimbwa set his team out.
Police struggled to manage URA’s build-up effectively with Kagimu given a lot of time on the ball to pull strings, and for probably the first time this season, it would be fair to say Police lost the game having been clearly outplayed.
Ssimbwa’s key change in the lineup was the introduction of lanky Ivan Sserubiri to partner with Patrick Mbowa (a natural central defender) in shielding the backline of Ashraf Mandela, Hudu Mulikyi, Benjamin Nyakoojo, and Brian Majwega.
The instruction to Mbowa and Sserubiri was to deny Police’s fluid passing in the middle of the park which they did for the entirety of the game and the Cops never found any rhythm in advancing the ball.
Frank Tumwesigye who was subbed out in the first half for Muwada Mawejje, Yusuf Ssozi, Johnson Odong who was drifted inside into the number ten role after the change, and skipper Tony Mawejje were never allowed to string together a number of passes as Mbowa and Sserubiri covered a lot of ground and their long legs intercepted every forward pass through the middle.
Police were forced to use wing play which is not their greatest attacking attribute. Muwadda, Edward Kiryowa, and Mubarak Nsubuga never really troubled Mandela and Majwega, and the crosses they managed to swing in were either poor or easily headed away.
Steven Mukwala who was playing off the left of URA’s attack and Davis Ssali on the right never gave Police’s fullbacks Denis Rukundo and Reuben Kimera a chance to join the attack.
