Uganda Cranes has secured a crucial point against Zimbabwe keeping them top of Group A as they wait for the result between Egypt and DR Congo in the final game of the day.
Cranes and Zimbabwe Warriors played out to a one-all draw in a full-blown attacking game. Here are the player ratings for the Uganda Cranes out of 10.
Denis Onyango – 9
As expected,Onyango led by example despite the constant bombarding by Zimbabwe’s talented attack all through the game. Amongst the many saves he made, Onyango’s superb 73rd minute line clearance save kept Uganda in the game. He was absolutely on top of his game despite Billiat getting the best of him in the dying minutes of the first half.
Bevis Mugabi – 5
Mugabi did not look comfortable in the right-back position. He provided a lot of space to Zimbabwean wingers, but he remained positive.
Godfrey Walusimbi – 5
‘Jjaja’ Walusimbi went in most tackles with desperation. It’s no wonder he lost vision of Khama Billiat, who equalized after a well taken ‘minus’ by Ovidy Karuru.
Ronald Brian Mukiibi – 5
Mukiibi made a couple of well-timed interceptions in the early stages of the game, but gradually lost pace.
Hassan Wasswa – 6
Wasswa looked confident with the ball although the oppressiveness of Zimbabwe’s attack made him lose command of the defense.
Michael Azira – 5
Unlike in the first game against DR Congo, Azira looked so ordinary tonight failing to take charge of the midfield battle. He was substituted for Taddeo Lwanga.
Emmanuel Okwi – 6
Didn’t see enough of the ball despite scoring Uganda’s opening goal.
Khalid Aucho – 6
Despitethe heated battle in the middle of the pitch, Aucho was totally composed on the ball.
Faruku Miya – 7
Looked bright at different intervals but his set piece delivery was lacking on many occasions.
Patrick Kaddu – 5
Missed Uganda’s best chance in the 74th minute to give Cranes a lead and probably win it off.
Abdu Lumala – 7
Full of dangerous running on and off the ball. He tested the Zimbabwe’s back all time. He created the opening goal and Kaddu’s missed opportunity.
Substitutes
Taddeo Lwanga – 6
Came in for Azira and he immediately created calmness and relief in Uganda’s midfield.
Allan Kyambadde – 5
He replaced Okwi but did not add too much of the desired pace.
Timothy Awany – 5
He came in too late for Miya so did not do much as well.
Coach Sebastein Desabre – 6
In the buildup to this game, he said he wanted a good start and he got it through Emmanuel Okwi’s early opener, but the team generally looked shaky afterwards.
Unused substitutes
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Paul Derrick Nsibambi, Allan Kateregga, Isaac Muleme, William Luwaga Kizito, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Murushid Juuko.
