Overview:
Rogers Mato's goal in the closing stages is only the second Uganda Cranes has scored in the campaign adding to Milton Karisa's strike against Niger
Uganda Cranes registered a crucial win in the ongoing Afcon 2023 qualifiers edging hosts Tanzania with a 1-0 win at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium.
Substitute Rogers Mato was the day’s hero slotting home the winning goal following a sublime defence splitting pass from Farouk Miya.
Here we rate the performance of the Uganda Cranes players on the night.
Jamal Salim -7
Made a brilliant save to deny Simon Msuva in the opening minutes and his communication with his defenders was top notch. He distributed the ball well when Cranes opted to build from the back.
Kenneth Ssemakula – 5
Kept his place at right back and tested to the limit as Taifa Stars preffered to attack from his side. Went toe to toe with Abdul Suleiman and never gave up.
Aziz Kayondo -5
Tussled well against Tanzania’s danger man Msuva and was an improvement from the first game. Offered little going forward
Halid Lwaliwa – 6
Solid at the back and looked more assured playing with Awany than he did with Mulondo in Ismailia.
Timothy Awany – 8
More composed at the back than most of his teammates. This was a wily performance from arguably the best defender in the country at the moment. Showed why he was missed when benched for the reverse fixture.
Khalid Aucho -7
Positional discipline and made some important blocks. Brave to play through pain after some fouls that threatened to cut short his time on the pitch in the second half.
Bobosi Byaruhanga -6
Started ahead of Sentamu and alongside Aucho, helped keep possession and his long range passing opened up the Taifa Stars defence at times.
Ismail Mugulusi -7
He was energetic in pressing and unplayable at times when on the ball. Justified his selection.
Emmanuel Okwi -5
He played his heart out and was never afraid to tackle when the team lost possession. Lucky not to be booked for a lunge on Msuva in the first half. Substituted after an hour.
Joseph Ochaya – 6
Saw his header taken out and was willing to track back and help Kayondo unlike in the Ismailia fixture.
Richard Basangwa – 5
Shockingly started up top and despite using his physic to destabilise the Taifa Stars defence, he wasn’t a goal threat.
Substitutes
Fahad Bayo -4
Not much impact after replacing the young Basangwa
Travis Mutyaba -5
Physically bullied but tried to open up the Taifa Stars backline after replacing Ochaya.
Rogers Mato – 8
Brilliant run and finish from Micho’s trusted lieutenant.
Farouk Miya -8
Literally won the game with a sublime pass with his first involvement despite playing less than ten minutes. Showed maturity and game intelligence in that one moment.
Steven Mukwala N/a
Coach
Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic -7
He named a more attacking team than he did in Ismailia and made timely and right changes.