How Uganda Cranes players rated in a 1-0 defeat to Senegal

Uganda Cranes journey in the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship 2024 came to end after a 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal at Namboole on Saturday.

Oumar Ba scored the winning goal in the 62^nd minute and the Lions of Teranga held on to set up a semi-final clash with Morocco’s Atlas Lions at Namboole on Tuesday.

Ismael Kiyonga rates the Uganda Cranes players on the turf.

Joel Mutakubwa 4/10:

Made a good save inside the ten minutes but could have done better to stop Oumar Ba shot. Failed to read the game and intercept the cross that resulted into the goal as well.

Gavin Kizito 4/10:

Couldn’t stop the cross that resulted into the match winning goal. Failed to produce any decent cross despite linking play with Allan Okello especially in the first half.

Herbert Achai 5/10:

Did most things right especially going forward but failed to head away the ball and that resulted into the winning goal. Could have done better.

Arnold Odong 5/10:

Like Achai, he should have defended better in the lead up to the goal. Missed a good opportunity at the other end to draw the Cranes level after the Senegal goal fumbled with inside the six yard.  

Rogers Torach 5/10:

Struggled with pace when Senegal attacked and didn’t look as assured as in the previous matches when he partnered with club teammate Hilary Mukundane.

Joel Sserunjogi 5.5/10:

Returned to the starting XI after missing the draw with South Africa. Not at his usual best but still decent show.

Enock Ssebagala 6/10:

He was livelier in the middle of the pack but later became manic as he rushed into many situations.

Karim Watambala 5.5/10:

Uganda Cranes looked relatively stable with him on the pitch as his willingness to chase and take the ball to opponents showed but withdrawn for a more attack minded player in Yunus Sentamu.

Jude Ssemugabi 6/10:

His pace gave a lot of trouble to the Senegal backline before he was unluckily withdrawn after suffering a bad injury.

Allan Okello 5/10:

Struggled to beat his markers and impose himself on the game despite playing in a more freed role than in other matches.

Reagan Mpande 4/10

Looked Uganda Cranes biggest attacking outlet but was wasteful, his decision making was poor as well. No surprise he was taken off midway the second half

Substitutes

Ivan Ahimbisibwe 5/10:

Replaced Ssemugabi before halftime but lacked the service he craved for. Failed to slot home after the Senegal goalie fumbled with a shot.

Patrick Kakande 6/10:

Gave Uganda Cranes some energy and impetus when he came on. An improvement on Mpande

Yunus Sentamu 4/10:

Failed to impose himself in attack and kept at bay the organised Senegal backline.

Usama Arafat N/a

Another late introduction for Okello but with not enough time to influence the game.