Uganda vs DR Congo: How the players rated

 

 

Following is how the respective Ugandan players fared in the nail-biting encounter in Cairo International stadium.

 

Denis Onyango- 9- Onyongo again showed that he is Africa's best goalkeeper with yet another heroic show. On three occasions he saved the Leopards' lead striker Cedric Bakambu's strikes.

 

Bevis Mugabi- 9- He put up a solid show. His towering 6 ft 2in figure was particularly intimidating in aerial play. He kept deadly TP Mazembe striker Elia Meshack and Everton's Yannick Bolassie in check as they kept switching wings.

 

Godfrey Walusimbi-9- Despite his diminutive size, he was steady. Amongst the people, he kept at bay was Bolassie.

 

Hassan Wasswa-8- He kept firm save for one moment in the 13th minute when he allowed Bakambu space to let go of a deadly shot that stretched Onyango to the limit. This could have easily swung the game in Congo's favour.

 

Murushid Juuko-9- With Bakambu determined to score, Juuko was kept busy. A lesser player would have easily been overwhelmed but he put up a gallant fight that one point even had him booked.

 

Mike Azira-9- He provided cover for the defense from his deep midfield role that had him constantly switching from one axis to another. At times he even ventured forward like at that point when letting off a long range that narrowly missed.

 

Abdul Lumala-9- There had been doubts about his abilities. But he put up a versatile show laying some killer crosses.

 

Faruku Miya -9- Arguably one of Uganda's best performers. He was a pain in Congo's defense, a trend that had him having a hand in both goals off his corner and free kick. His efforts included a dipping free kick that stretched goalkeeper Ley Matampi to the limit.

 

Patrick Kaddu- 9- His 15th-minute opening goal was a huge boost to Cranes' confidence. He brilliantly executed the goal dashing ahead of defenders nodding backward a brushing header that slit through the Congo backline. He was on many other occasions always in the right place at the right time but couldn't again produce that killer last touch.

 

Emma Okwi -9- His 47th-minute glancing header beat an entire backline to rest in the corner of Congo's net. He also found inroads in the Congo defense with his dribbling runs. His efforts paid off with a man of the match prize.