Uganda Cranes journey at the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship 2024 came to an end on Saturday after losing to Senegal 1-0 at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
In reality, the tournament has been a success for the co-hosts as they broke the group stages barrier at the expense of Guinea, Niger and powerhouse South Africa topping Group C ahead of Algeria.
For the Cranes, the elimination on Saturday was a reminder that passion and effort must be paired with the strategic calm that defines tournament-winning sides as they missed several opportunities against the Lions of Teranga.
To reach where they stopped, it has been a collective unit right from goalkeeping to the forward line but here are the top performers as highlighted by Ismael Kiyonga after watching all Uganda’s six matches.
Joel Mutakubwa
The commanding voice between the goal posts that played a crucial role in Uganda Cranes journey.
Despite conceding seven goals in six matches, Mutakubwa kept two clean sheets in wins over Guinea and Niger and was named Man of the match in the latter.
Even in the defeat to Senegal, Mutakubwa made a good save in the first half while also kept Uganda in the game in the 3-3 draw with Bafana Bafana that qualified the team to the quarter finals.
Hilary Mukundane
Ironically, Uganda lost both games that Mukundane missed – the 3-0 defeat to Algeria where he was snubbed and the 1-0 loss to Lions of Teranga where he was suspended.
A colossus at the heart of defence whose take no prisoners approach gave opponents no room for threatening his goalkeeper.
Two clean sheets in four matches he featured in is a testimony to his importance at the heart of defence.
Joel Sserujongi
The engine and the heartbeat of the team in the middle of the pack. Sserunjogi has enjoyed the tournament, anchoring the backline with precision and linking play between defense and attack.
His game awareness and positional sense explains why from a deep lying position registered an assist and a goal in games against Guinea and Niger.
Allan Okello
The fans’ favourite has divided opinions amongst pundits. The Vipers man scored three goals all from the spot (one a rebound after a missed one) and created a goal for Sserunjogi.
Not commanding performances throughout the tournament but grabbed important moments calmly scoring from 12 yards and also won a penalty against Guinea.
Reagan Mpande
Dynamic and direct and on many occasions involved in the build ups to many goals.
The Villa forward, against odds beat Kakande to the left-wing position and became a menace to opposing fullbacks.
His goal/assist contribution in Uganda Cranes campaign makes up for the indecision especially in defeat to Senegal.
Karim Watambala
After being left out of the starting team on match day one, Watambala made his name unmissable on the team sheet with his relentless displays in the midfield.
Watambala set up a brilliant goal for Ivan Ahimbisibwe and his press resulted in the goal against Guinea as well.
These six standout performers have set the standard for Cranes journey – combining relentlessness, energy, and execution – and their continued influence is the Cranes have achieved the quarter final feat on home soil.
If Torach doesn’t make into the top 3 performers then that list is fake
How about torach the captain who scored the goal that qualified us against South Africa