Uganda Cranes failed to capitalise on early pressure as they draw 0-0 at home to Tanzania.
KAMPALA – The result moves them to four points in two games while Emmanuel Amunike’s charges have now gathered two in as many games.
Yes it was not the routine three points that we have become accustomed to at Namboole but here is how the players rated:
1. Denis Onyango (6.5)
The Cranes Custodian had a relatively quiet day but was always at his best whenever he was called into action.
At the beginning of the Second half, he was required to Palm away a fierce Gediel Michael Kamagi strike and was equally at his best to save low when Mbwana Samatta ran through on goal later in the half.
2. Nicholas Wadada (5)
The Azam FC defender had an average day at work on Saturday.
Booked early for a reckless challenge on Samatta but managed to compose his self and see out the rest of the game minus any other fouls that could have seen him sent off.
Apart from his customary runs down the right flank, he looked to be nervous on some occasions, something that will not have gone down well with his coach.
3. Godfrey Walusimbi (6)
When he went to Moses Waiswa five minutes into the game, to guide the young lad, i appreciated how mature the now Kaizer Cheifs player had become.
Apart from helping Waiswa settle-down in the game, he had a strong defensive game, making timely tackles and recovering well once possession was lost. Going forward, he lucked the punch that has seen him grown into a fan’s favourite at Namboole as he made wayward crosses on several occasions.
4. Murushid Jjuuko (5)
Calm and composed in possession as always but frequently bullied by Tanzania’s duo of Samatta and Simon Msuva.
With less than 10 minutes of the 90 to play, he was bullied off the ball by Msuva and Uganda could have paid dearly only for Thomas Ulimwengu to drag his shot wide while under pressure from Onyango.
5. Hassan Wasswa (5.5)
Slotted into Centre-half by Desabre after playing a fair share of game in midfield under Moses Basena and Micho, he had a relatively easy day as he was never caught in one on one situations where his lack of pace might have been exploited.
His distribution was below per throughout the game as he struggled to link up with the forwards using the long ball.
6. Khalid Aucho (6)
He may not have a club for which he plays but produced the display that has seen him become a main stay in the Cranes set-up.
Strong in the tackle, won a fair share of his aerial duels and distributed the ball well. The runs forward was his down-play as he always looked to have made the wrong decision with the exception of the through-ball he threaded in for Farouk Miya, midway the second half.
7. Denis Iguma (6)
One of the surprise starters but he did himself and the coach justice in the end.
Composed on the ball, distributed it well and made several excellent tackles once on the back-foot.
His unwillingness to bombard forward when need arose was Iguma’s negative throughout the game, like it has always been the case when he plays central.
8. Moses Waiswa (7.5)
The biggest positive from Saturday’s draw with Tanzania. Waiswa looked un fazed by the occasion despite starting his first competitive game with the senior team, elegant both in possession and distribution, took charge of the set pieces late on which was a sign of the confidence that oozes out of the young star.
He lost possession easily at times and may be should have grabbed the game and made it his more especially when the more senior of the fold looked to have conceded that a win was not forth coming but who cares, after all he was making his maiden bow for the senior team in a competitive fixture.
9. Emmanuel Okwi (5).
He was played as the pivotal of the attack and was almost non existent.
Okwi had only two notable moments in the game, the first coming via a Onyango long ball that released him (Okwi) with only one defender to beat but chose to strike first time and it went out for a goal kick.
The other came in the second half, Okwi failed to convert Uganda’s best chance of the half as a loose ball fell into his path but blazed it over from six yards.
10. Faruok Miya (4.5)
Everyday i watch Miya in a Cranes Jersey, i come to terms with the fact that may be he will never be the player he was two or three years ago in a National team shirt.
Against Tanzania, he lacked everything that saw him move to Belgium top tier side Standard Liege in 2016. He did not make those energetic runs he is known for, lost the ball more than anyone on the pitch and also failed to convert a chance midday through the second half after he was teed up excellently by Aucho.
11. Joseph Ochaya (4)
Upto now i am still asking my self what Ochaya was doing on the pitch for more than 60 minutes.
Squandered Uganda’s best chance of the game when he decided to shoot rather than pass to an open Miya, lost the ball so easily and his crosses were always not on point.
He has always put out good shows for the national team but the most he deserved was 45 minutes on Saturday.
Substitutes:
1. Patrick Kaddu (4)
Barely held onto the ball all the minutes he was in the pitch and he may not have done himself any favour to come off the bench when Uganda requires a goal next time round.
2. Kizito Luwagga (4)
Tried to be impactful but could not stamp his authority onto the game as he was fouled on-sight and at times gave the ball away cheaply.
3. Edrisa Lubega (N/A)
Played only the last three minutes of the game.
