A second half rare Aucho Khalid goal was the difference as Uganda Cranes over came Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane in the last group C game of the GOtv Cecafa Cup to clinch its leadership.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga caught the game at Nyayo stadium and rates the performance of each Ugandan player who featured.
The rating which is out of ten is based on personal observation backed by statistics. Let’s get started;
Benjamin Ochan 7.0: He had less to contend with in the first half as both sides played a dull game low on attacking quality but was at hand to save Tahir Mohammad’s shot from a free kick with a fingertip save which meant Cranes remained the only side yet to conceded in the campaign.
Julius Ntambi 6.5: He won his first cap and looked solid defensively though he did little going forward. A decent debut for the Kiira Young lad.
Godfrey Walusimbi 7.0: The SC Villa left fullback continued to show why he is regarded as one of the best in the region. He was solid defensively and did well offensively with his marauding runs.
Martin Mpuuga 7.0: The lanky defender earned his first cap and played with confidence. He cleared whatever aerial threat was thrown at him and contained tournament’s leading scorer Saleh Ibrahim throughout the game.
Richard Kasagga 7.0: The centre back continues to repay the faith coach Micho has in him by putting up stellar performances. He commanded the rear guard and read the game well too.
Aucho Khalid 7.5: In a first half when most Cranes player looked disinterested, he was the only player with an assured touch anchoring the midfield well and provided cover to the back four. He capped his good performance with a well taken goal that decided the game. Withdrawn for Kizito a few moments after suffering an injury.
Said Kyeyune 6.0: He got his first start of the campaign and played well. Fought for possession and played some beautiful passes to the front men on a number of occasions.
Joseph Mpande 6.0: Restored to the starting team after starting on the bench against Eritrea and he didn’t disappoint. He worked his socks off and like Kyeyune, he passed the ball well.
Vincent Kayizzi 6.0: He started his first game of the campaign and did well though at times, he lacked pace, power and precision when it mattered most. He was a culprit for missing a clear cut opportunity in the second half when he only had the goal keeper at his mercy.
Daniel Sserunkuma 5.0: The Gor Mahia striker had a bad day at office losing possession un necessarily and didn’t cause havoc as he did in his previous outings. Nevertheless, he is the only Ugandan player who had a shot on target in the first half which goalie Abdelrahman saved for a corner in the 40th minute. Replaced with Brian Majwega after recess.
Emmanuel Okwi 7.5: He had a quite first half but rose in the second as terrorized the Sudan defence with his direct runs, dribbles and pace.
Unlucky to miss on the score sheet as Sudan goalie Ali twice saved his well taken efforts.
Substitutes:
Brian Majwega 7.0: His introduction at half time changed everything as he injected pace and power into Cranes attack. He won lots of free kicks and forced the Falcons to concede many corners.
Hamis Kiiza 6.0: He came on for the tired Kayizzi and did well though he sometimes hurried to shoot when opportunities came his way.
Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito: N/A
