DANITO NSUBUGA
Mustafa Kizza’s late penalty eased the nerves of the thousands of fans who turned up for the match at the Phillip Omondi Stadium and consequently earned Uganda a slim edge over the visitors going into the return leg.
Here is how we managed to observe and make an assessment of how Wasswa Bbosa’s men rated.
1. Saidi Keni
The Proline short stopper took the first choice slot building on his dominant displays for the U20s.
He wasn’t seriously tested by the South Sudanese but he confidently dealt with the challenges that came his way. His ball distribution was also top notch. 6/10
2. Mustafa Mujuzi
The captain of the day had an evening to forget. In the first place, he was employed to start out of position being an orthodox center back.
Mujuzi failed to cope with the high tempo of the game as most of his deliveries while in the opponent’s half went wayward. He also lost a lot of possession.
Substituted for Joseph Semujju early in the second half. 5/10
3. Mustafa Kizza
Calm and composed to win it late for the Kobs in additional time. Kizza had a fairly good game but most his signature crosses and deliveries went in no man’s land.
His game intelligence was put to test after failing to find a solution to the aerial prowess of the South Sudanese defence. Should have done better. 6/10.
4. Geoffrey Wasswa
The Vipers defender is one of the most steadily improving players in the local league.
He exhibited a mature display coupled with composure and assuredness. Didn’t put a foot wrong. 7/10
5. Bashir Asiku
The technical department will be credited for observing team cohesion and the telepathic understanding between the two young Vipers defenders.
Asiku complemented Wasswa well and helped a lot in the physical aerial battles. 7/10
6. Lawrence Bukenya
Neat and Tidy, the KCCA FC young central midfielder was Uganda’s better performer during the first period.
He tried to dictate the tempo of the game with his intelligent passes, he was fazed out though as the game got more tense. 7/10
7. Julius Poloto
He had a relatively below performance as compared to his usual explosive displays. His operational space was limited in the first period due to the tactically inept Mujuzi who started at right back.
Grew in stature especially in the second period and expressed himself more. 6.5/10
8. Shafiq Kagimu
Shy and timid in the first half, he failed to impose himself on the game in relation to his immense ability.
Released the ball to early and shied away from taking responsibility. When he rose up later in the second period, the ball moved quicker and better. He should have done better. 6.5/10
9. Joel Madondo
The Kirinya JSS in form attacker was limited on supply, his midfielders failed to utilise his intelligent runs between the lines. He was also bullied by the giant Sudanese defenders.
Substituted for Duncan Seninde. 5.5/10
10. Allan Okello
The boy wonder had a silent half and he was overpowered by the hard tackling Sudanese midfielders.
Okello made Uganda’s first serious attempt on target when he launched from 20 yards, when he rose up to the occasion, Uganda threatened their visitors and ultimately conceding a late penalty. 7/10
11. Steven Mukwala
Looked rusty and out of pace thanks to his lack of playing time at Vipers SC.
Known for his explosive pace, agility and tireless forward runs, Mukwala looked a shadow of himself. He was unlucky for his disallowed goal in the 76th minute. 5.5/10
Subs
Joseph Semujju
Not the most reliable option to unlock the game but his introduction created space for Poloto to operate, he also helped when the Kobs resorted to a more fluid patient approach. 5/10
Duncan Seninde
Quick and direct, the diminutive Vipers winger added another dimension to the game though he tried to be over elaborative on the ball. 5.5/10
Coach : Wasswa Bbosa
Faulted for starting Mujuzi Mustafa out of position yet he had better options to comfortably fit in at right back, he also failed to quickly out think the Sudanese combative approach but his substitutions were spot on. 5/10
