McKinstry praises Miya's excellence in Konyaspor's win

TURKEY FOOTBALL

KAMPALA - Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry has encouraged Ugandan number 10s to draw lessons from Farouk Miya's two "excellent" goals that he scored as his side Konyaspor edged out table leaders Basaksehir in a Monday night seven-goal thriller in Konya.

The spritely Turkey-based Ugandan forward scored the equaliser - in blistering, flying fashion - and then the third goal as his team came from a goal down to beat the table toppers 4-3.

His contribution on the night earned him plaudits from several observers both abroad and here in Uganda, including his national team head coach.

While many enthusiasts stopped at marveling at Miya's deliciously powerful strikes, McKinstry felt the need to go 'behind the scenes' and take a more analytical approach by connecting the dots with a "big picture".

Miya's goals were so easy on the eye but, according to the Uganda Cranes tactician, it was all about the 22-year's decisions and speed in the lead-up to the strikes, which he said did well to dazzle his minders.

Providing an analysis on his Twitter page, McKinstry explained that Miya's patience, movement and timing were equally key.

"A couple of excellent goals from Uganda Cranes' Farouk Miya last night. Very important though to see the ‘big picture' and not only the great finish. Especially for his first effort. Decisions by Miya in build up were key to creating the goal-scoring chance," tweeted the Northern Irishman.

"Miya's patience and movement in the early stages of the build-up play caused opposition defenders important problems and helped to create the space for him to have positive influence when he received the ball.

"Having set up the attacking opportunity for the team, Farouk Miya's timing and speed of movement entering the box were key in creating a goal scoring opportunity," added McKinstry.

"There is so much more to this goal than the few seconds around the finish. Young Ugandan Number 10s should take notice."

Miya's brace means he has now scored eight goals for his club this season.

And his contribution on Monday night could not have been of more significance. Victory at the Konya Büyükşehir Belediye stadium lifted Konyaspor off second-bottom and into 14th in the 18-team Turkish top-flight.

Their last two games of the season will be tricky - against second-placed Trabzonspor this Saturday, and a home duel with sixth-placed Alanyaspor on Sunday next week.