NAMBOOLE – Uganda Cranes defeated Lesotho 3-1 on Saturday at Mandela National Stadium to reclaim top spot in Group L.
A brace from Emmanuel Okwi either side of Farooq Miya’s penalty was all the Sebastian Desabre’s men required on the day.
Despite the victory, how did each of the Cranes fair on the day?
Denis Onyango 6.5: Despite a uncharacteristic error at the start of the game when the skipper failed to hold onto a routine ball putting his side under pressure, it was another commanding display as Onyango as he managed to keep his third clean sheet of the campaign. His highlight was saving Tumelo Khutlang’s low effort in the first half.
Nicholas Wadada 6.0: The Azam FC defender was solid as ever at the back but rarely threatened going forward and when he made his customary runs down the wing, his final ball was always wanting, save for the pass to Okwi in the build up to the opener.
Godfrey Walusimbi 6.0: Jaaja Walu has been one of Uganda’s most consistent performer for years and he was at it again, putting out a solid display in the win on Saturday. Save for being caught napping early in the game as Khutlang received the ball unmarked and in behind our backline, he just did enough to suggest he is still the dependable Jaaja Walu.
Hassan Wasswa 5.5: Struggled whenever Lesotho came forward and didn’t look as solid as he has always been in the past. Could it have been due to the fact that he was paired alongside Iguma, with whom they have never featured together at CB?
Denis Iguma 6.5: Easily could have cost us a goal due to lazy defending in the first half but aside from that, the ever calm, composed and elegant Iguma was superb on Saturday. Will indeed give Desabre some sleepless nights on where to play him in Maseru.
Aucho Khalid 7.0: Yes he conceded the most fouls on the pitch (5) but Aucho wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t foul opposing players trying to hurt his side. Unlike against Tanzania, Aucho was back to his usual best on Saturday.
Moses Waiswa 7.5: If anyone told you at the start of the year that Moses Waiswa would be a mainstay in the Uganda Cranes set up in nine months, you wouldn’t have believed them. And mainstay he is turning out to be, not as exceptional as he was against Tanzania but Waiswa was equally imposing and influential with his magnificent passing range and fancy tricks on Saturday.
Farouk Miya 5.0: Another average show from Uganda’s fans’ favourite despite converting from the spot. Lost track of the last time Miya had a more than decent game for the Cranes.
Joseph Ochaya 3.5: Whatever Ochaya is doing, i am not sure i know. Against Lesotho, he was the lost sheep amongst the heard. He was not going forward neither was he defending.
Edirisa Lubega 6.0: Torres like he is know in the country, was a surprise inclusion at the start. On his debut, he set-up the third which would be descent for a midfielder but not a striker with his qualities and the space he was getting from time to time. Wasn’t the worst performance but not the best he could have helped himself to.
Emmanuel Okwi 9.0: What a game of football Okwi had on Saturday. He was at the heart of all good for the Cranes, scoring two well taken goals and also fouled in the area for Miya’s penalty. Don’t remember the last time he was in such form.
Substitutes
Sadam Juma 6.0: Brought on to calm down Lesotho’s early second half pressure and he did that to perfection.
Isaac Muleme NA: Created on descent cross to Kaddu but don’t think he played enough minutes to be rated.
Patrick Kaddu 5.0: Tried to play and score but he came on at a time when the team was content with a 3-0 lead.
