Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2016:
Buganda Region 0-3 Uganda Cranes
A 3-0 final scoreline for Uganda Cranes over a select side from Buganda Region will not exactly tell the correct version of the story.
After a disappointing first half performance from a rather senior team was completely corrected by an energized second half display.
Muhammed Shaban, Musa Esenu and defender Halid Lwaliwa, all second half changes gave Uganda Cranes the deserved victory at Masaka Recreational Stadium in a match watched by a big crowd.
The second half performance followed an appealing first 45 minutes where forwards Erisa Ssekisambu, Geofrey Sserunkuma and the ever improving youngster all faulted where it mattered most – thanks to the alert goalkeeping from goalie Abdul Kimera.
Buganda region in fact would have taken the lead had Isaac Balyejusa carried his scoring boots to the Masaka Recreational stadium.
The lanky young forward, who has been playing for Bulemeezi Ssaza hurriedly looped the ball over and above Ochan before the ball bounced off for a goal kick in arguably Buganda region’s best chance on the evening.
By the start of the second half, Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredejovic smelt danger and acted in the affirmative to avoid an eminent embarrassment.
He thus rested the entire team that started in the first half for a much lively side with fresh legs and urgency.
The move handsomely paid off with instant and fruitful dividends.
Martin Kizza terrorized on the right flank and so did his SC Villa teammate Vitalis Tabu on the left.
Onduparaka live wire striker Muhammed Shaban led the way two minutes into the second half.
Shaban controlled Nicholas Wadada’s cross before a calm finish past Bulemezi Ssaza goalie Abdul Kimera.
Vipers defender Halid Lwaliwa capped the icing on the cake with a third and final strike on the red letter day for the national team.
This is one of the many regional matches the national team has played in the past 13 months with previous trips in the Western Region (Mbarara), North East (Soroti), Northern (Gulu), Kitara (Masindi), West Nile (Arua) and lately in the Eastern Region (Mbale).
Uganda Cranes Starting Team:
Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Brian Majwega, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Captain), Bernard Muwanga, Vincent Kayizzi, Mike Sserumaga, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Geofrey Sserunkuma
Team Two:
Yasin Mugabi (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Hassan Musana, Rashid Toha, Halid Lwaliwa, Ivan Ntege, Martin Kizza, Kezironi Kizito, Muhammed Shaban, Musa Esenu, Abdulmalik Vitalis Tabu
Buganda Team:
Goal Keepers: Abdul Kimera [Bulemezi], Tonny Kyameera [Buddo ss]
Defenders: Latif Kiyemba [Busiro], Samuel Kato [Buddo], Saidon Bogere[Busiro], Mahad Ssemanda [Buluri], Francis Ssemakula [Wakiso Hills], Cyrus Mukalazi [Masaka ss]
Midifielders: Hamis Semugeera [Buluri], Joshua Kigozi Josua [Bulemezi], Joshua Lubwama [Bulemezi], Moses Seruyiga [Kira United]
Strikers: Baker Buyaala[ Bugerere], Isaac Balyejusa [ Bulemezi], Godfrey Waswa [ Buluri]
