After The Cranes’ group-stage elimination from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE rates the Ugandan players that played at the tournament.
Denis Onyango – Conceded two goals against Ghana and Egypt but pulled off some great saves in both games to prove that his Africa Player-of-the-Year 2016 award was merited. 8/10
Robert Odongkara – Came in for the Mali match following Onyango’s injury, he did not have a bad game, let alone much to do. Save for conceding from that wonderfully-executed free-kick by Yves Bissouma for Mali’s equalizer, he wasted a lot of time in a game Cranes needed to win for their pride. 5/10
Dennis Iguma – Looked pretty solid each time he had an attacker to contend with throughout the group games. But failed to take the team forward, which good full-backs do. 6/10
Godfrey Walusimbi – He did not hesitate in marauding and gave the team more offensive threat. 7/10
Hassan Wasswa – Rarely did Wasswa set a foot wrong. He won several aerial duels, was tough in tackles and kept most threats out. 9/10
Isaac Isinde – He has always been a reliable defender because of his commandeering and tenacious approach but things fell apart, when he fouled Asamoah Gyan to concede the penalty that cost Cranes. 5/10
Joseph Ochaya – He was purposeful and confident in taking Cranes forward and delivered some good crosses. 6.5/10
Murushid Juuko – After missing the first game, he replaced Isinde in the heart of defence and executed the role quite well. His passing, interceptions, tackles and clearances were impressive. 7/10
Nicholas Wadada – He had a short cameo against Egypt but he dropped possession a few times, and failed to press the ball sufficiently. 4/10
Tonny Mawejje – While he covered a lot of ground, he did not create much going forward. 6.5/10
Geoffrey Kizito – He was a real piston in the engine room; hurrying opponents, tackling them, winning possession and distributing the ball. But he did not shoot enough. 8/10
Mike Azira – He failed to show much of his good ball distribution qualities because of how he was being moved about on the field. 4/10
Khalid Aucho – He was an imposing figure and ever present to head away corner-kicks. 6/10
Moses Oloya – It is difficult to remember what Oloya did throughout the campaign, save for his hair style. 3/10
Farouk Miya – He scored a brilliant and only goal for the Cranes against Mali As usual, he was full of energy. 6/10
Luwaga Kizito – He came into the tournament carrying the team’s expectations of being its chief goal creator. But he had a stinker against Ghana, only to return in the game against Mali. His attitude was poor. 3/10
Geoffrey Massa – His barren spell continued at this tournament, as he struggled to really make an impact. 4/10
Muhammad Shaban – The youthful Onduparaka forward looked enthusiastic each time he was introduced as Massa’s substitute. But save for his endeavour and willingness to run, his limited experience showed. 4/10
Geoffrey Sserunkuma – He was introduced late against Ghana and without much coordination at that time, it is difficult to rate him.