Uganda got off to a winning start at the on-going 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Cranes defeated DR Congo 2-0 in their group A game played at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A goal each by Patrick Kaddu and Emmanuel Okwi was enough to hand Uganda their first AFCON victory in 41 years.
Saturday’s result means that the Cranes climb on top of Group A, having a better goal difference on Egypt who defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 on Friday night.
Here is how the Cranes players rated as per Shaban Lubega;
Denis Onyango 8.0
Mr. Safe Hands was at his best throughout the afternoon, collecting routine crosses and putting the Cranes off unnecessary pressure. The save to deny Cedric Bakambu towards the end of the first half was as good as they get and a game changer.
Bevis Mugabi 8.0
Mugabi took care of his duties in a magnificent fashion, limiting Yannick Bolasie to a pedestrian role. He also had time to send a delicious cross into the area but unluckily for him, Kaddu could only head it wide off the target.
Godfrey Walusimbi 7.0
He is indeed aging by the day and not the roving left-back that Ugandans fell in love with. Jaaja Walu like he is commonly known, had a good show defensively but lucked a bit going forward.
Hassan Wasswa 7.5
Shaky at times but composed like he has always been. Let Bakambu lose on some occasions but walked away with a clean-sheet in the end.
Murushid Juuko 7.5
Wasswa’s partner at the heart of defence was at it again, making telling interceptions throughout the game. The yellow card towards the end of the first half was uncalled for and one which may cost the team as the tournament rages on.
Khalid Aucho 8.0
The ever reliable Aucho once again impressed in his holding role, controlling the tempo of the game and pushing the team forward where need be. Spared sometime to try a long range shot which was comfortably saved, coming as no surprise because Aucho does not score often.
Mike Azira 8.5
Arguably his best performance in a Cranes’ jersey. Azira saw a long range effort kiss the cross bar as he made one of his customary dashes through the middle.
Farouku Miya 9.0
What agame of football Miya had on Saturdays. He created both goals on the day and consistently troubled Congo whether from set-plays or open play. His show deserved a goal but it was not to be.
Emmanuel Okwi 8.5
The goal was evidence of how good Okwi was on the day. Voted the official man of the match but missed several opportunities to make the score-board more appealing to Ugandans.
Patrick Kaddu 8.5
Wasted two glorious opportunities in either half but scored the opener never the less. The KCCA FC striker continues to silence doubters.
Abdu Lumala 8.0
Looked dangerous whenever he went forward but did not produce what his talent and pace suggest he should. Was stretchered off with 10 minutes to play, carrying what looked to be a serious injury.
Substitutes
Allan Kyambadde 5.0
Barely made telling impact after replacing Kaddu with just over 15 minutes to play.
Isaac Muleme NA
