Cranes ratings against South Sudan

Dennis Onyango - 8. He was hardly tested as the visitors relied mostly on counter attacks but remained solid as usual whenever there were any glimpses of trouble in his area. Only troubled once in the first half when he slipped as he tried to save from a counter-attack that eventually didn't yield anything for the visitors.

Elvis Bomwono - 5. It was a nervy debut for the Southend FC defender, but always played smart and quickly to his fellow defenders whenever in trouble. He did not get a real test from the opposition in that position that demands service both in defence and the attack, he rarely offered any assistance in attack.

Joseph Ochaya - 8. Probably the most stable player in defence and was always at hand to offer assistance in attack. Okwi or Nsibambi should have scored from one of his deliveries. He was fouled for the set-piece from which the Cranes scored the lone goal but was lucky not to concede a penalty after he pulled the shirt of a South Sudan striker in a one-on-one situation in the second half.

Ronald Mukiibi - 6. Was never troubled, but playing from the back was a huge demand for the Östersunds FK defender, who always opted to serve the strikers with that long ball that never troubled the visitors' compacted defence. He was replaced due to tom injury by Halid Lwaliwa who notched the winning goal.

Mike Azira - 7. Bossed the midfield with timely interceptions and good ball distribution but often sat too deep in defence. He was strong in the tackle and dominant in the air, plus he was very neat and tidy on the ball. Another good ball passer in midfield could have the Cranes create more than they did against South Sudan.

Halid Aucho - 7. He was solid but was always let down by his final pass. Should have scored after he was picked out by Luwagga Kizito in the second half but shot wide.

Farouk Miya - 7. Was closed out for most of the match by the overcrowded midfield of the visitors and could hardly breathe in the first half but slowly grew in the game and provided the assist that Halid Lwaliwa headed home late in the game.

Emmanuel Okwi - 5. Hardly had any impact on the game and was denied supply as the Cranes opted to reach him with long aerial balls that did not help matters. Had one opportunity to score in the first half but he was slow to the Ochaya cross.

Derrick Nsibambi - 6. He was hardly allowed to express himself and the long ball in the early exchanges made it impossible for the Smouha FC striker to have any impact on the game. He was always crowded out.

Luwagga Kizito - 8. Probably Cranes' best player on the day and despite losing possession on many omanye remained lively throughout the match with dangerous moves in the visitors' defense and remained Uganda's only route to a goal for most of the match.

Allan Okello - 6. Came on for Okwi and didn't take long to settle and injected some life in midfield and twice had his efforts saved by the South Sudan goalkeeper.

Halid Lwaliwa - 7. Scored the lone goal that extended Cranes lead in Group B to 7 points. He had just come on for injured Ronald Mukiibi.

Edris Lubega - 4. Came in at a time the Cranes were searching for that important goal but hardly had any impact on the game.

Abdulkarim Watambala - 4. Replaced Aucho but Just like Lubega he hardly expressed himself in the manner he is known.

Compiled by Michael Nsubuga