The Uganda Cranes still cemented their position as Kings of CECAFA over the weekend after thumping bogey side Rwanda’s Amavubi stars 3-2 on penalties after a 2-all draw after 120 minutes. This was Uganda’s 12th title in Africa’s oldest soccer competition. Kawowo Sports looks at the entire squad and rates them as per their performance in Dar es Salam. The ratings are based on the performance exhibited by each player at the tournament in general. The ratings are out of 10.
GOAL KEEPERS
Abbey Dhaira: 7.0 The gigantic goalie saved two penalties in the final and looks a perfect cover for Denis Onyango. Besides his mistake and poor time wasting tactics against Tanzania, he had a marvellous tournament and won his second CECAFA title in as many times he has been called upon.
Robert Ondongkara 4.5 The Ethiopian based shot stopper looked miles away from the young lad that promised so much while at Villa Park. His game reading in the match against Burundi was suspect. He needs to get back to the drawing board other wise his Cranes’ career is in doubt. 3. Kimera Ali. N/a. The younger goalie didn’t feature in any game though he sat on the bench in the Burundi game.
DEFENDERS
Simon Masaba: 8: The veteran right back had a wonderful tournament. Available records show he is the most capped Ugandan international with 61 caps. His assist in the game against Tanzania will remain in the hearts of Ugandans for long.
Henry Kalungi: 5 The Proline FC defender did feature in only one game against Burundi and his confidence on the ball made him a good cover. Replaced Andy nicely in that game.
Isaac Isinde: 9.5 The defender of the tournament according to our analysts. His game reading was way up there with the best. He made strikers look naive and his range of tackling, heading, passing and game reading were simply first class. He scored important goals as well. Future leader of the cranes defence.
Andy Mwesigwa: 8 The captain of the side led by example from start to finish. He is Mr. CECAFA cup. He scored important goals as well and his goal against Tanzania proves his contribution in the tournament. Captain fantastic.
Godfrey Walusimbi 8.5. Missed the final through suspension but he had a telling contribution in the tournament. The left back of the tournament was a joy to watch and looks 100% perfect replacement for the aging Nestroy Kizito.
Habib Kavuma. 6.0 He missed a penalty but this can’t take away the brilliance he exhibited in the final game. He ably replaced suspended Walusimbi.
MIDFIELDERS.
Tonny Mawejje 8.0. The Ice Land based midfield gem stamped his authority in midfield in games he played. He looked a bit lazy in tackles but his short and long passes were a joy to watch. His block buster shots especially in the final were mervellous.
Patrick Ochan: 6.0 The TP Mazembe midfielder did have a good tournament. This was his best chance to show case his ability to Bobby though he really needs to improve his passing, shooting and tackling.
Musa Mudde 7.5 The Sofakapa star’s combination with Mawejje seems to be growing day by day. His energy levels and commitment is the reason coach Bobby has stuck to him.
Mike Mutyaba: 4.5. He was expected to take the tournament by storm but didn’t do it. The diminutive Bunamwaya star even lost his starting berth to Matovu Sulaiman as the team advanced from group stages.
Matovu Sulaiman: 7.5. The flying winger did stamp his authority on the left wing in this tournament. The most improved youngster and looks a good bet for the future of Uganda Cranes.
Dan Wagaluka: 6.5 The veteran winger showed how badly the team missed him against Kenya in October. He took the tournament by storm especially in group stages though he faded as the tournament progressed.
Mike Sserumaga 8.0 I call him the prodigal son. The boy had a wonderful tournament and stamped his authority as the team’s most creative player in a classic No. 10 role.
Oloya Moses: 6.0. The vietnam based winger didn’t have a tournament that befits his potential. He still wastes possession and at times over dribbles. Nevertheless, he had a wonderful final despite missing his penalty. A future cranes star i bet.
STRIKERS.
Ssentongo Robert: 5.0 The diminutive super league leading scorer had a dissapointing tournament by all standards. Didn’t start a game but also failed to impress from the bench.
Diego Hamis Kiiza: 7.5 The Yanga hit man’s lone goal against Zimbabwe was one of the moment goals in the title hunt. His pressure on Karekezi resulted into Cranes second equaliser in the finals. He calmly converted from the penalty in the shoot out.
Emmanuel Okwi: 8.0 The joint top scorer of the tournament played a big part in the triumph. His pace troubled many defences. He deserved the golden boot.
Did you watch the CECAFA 2011 championships. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with our ratings?
