LUGOGO – The Uganda Cranes registered their first victory of the AFCON 2021 Qualifying campaign on Sunday as they defeated Malawi 2-0 at Namboole.
Emmanuel Okwi handed the Cranes a first half lead before Fahad Bayo sealed the contest in the second period.
Victory sees Uganda move onto four points in Group B having drawn 0-0 away to Burkina Faso in their opening game.
They will now take on South Sudan who were beaten by the Swallow on Sunday.
Here is how the Uganda Cranes rated on Sunday night.
Denis Onyango 6.0: A spectator for most of the contest but reliable whenever needed. Dived low to save Gabidinho Mhango’s effort in the second half.
Nicholas Wadada 4.5: Had issues dealing with Mhango and was often caught out of position. His crosses were also wanting on the day.
Joseph Ochaya 6.0: Had a good game and also assisted Okwi’s opener off a deep free kick.
Murushid Jjuuko 5.0: Not at his usual best and was later taken off and replaced by Timothy Awanyi following an injury.
Bevis Mugabi 5.5: Played alongside Jjuuko at center-half and was troubled by Mhango especially in the first half. However, he got stronger and better as the game went on.
Khalid Aucho 4.5: Another average day in a Cranes’ shirt as he on consistently lost possession easily.
Mike Azira 7.0: With Aucho struggling, it was Azira who consistently clamed things down in midfield with his composed passing.
Kizito Luwagga 6.0: Had a poor first half but got his groove on in the second period, making several good runs down the right flank.
Fahad Bayo 7.0: Took a while to get into the game but troubled the Malawi defence with his power and speed. Eventually, scored a debut goal in the second half.
Farouk Miya 6.5: Not the Miya that Cranes’ fans crave for but he tried to make things happen. Was unfortunate not to score in the first half as his effort hit the post.
Emmanuel Okwi 6.5: Opened the scoring but faded in the second half.
Substitutes
Timothy Awanyi 5.0: Replaced Jjuuko early in the second half and barely put a foot wrong.
Allan Okello 5.0: Proved what a talent he is when he came on for Luwagga in the second half as he made several good runs, cutting in from the right.
Taddeo Lwanga N.a: Had limited time on the pitch to make any sort of impact.
