Uganda showcased grit, guile and perseverance as they held on to beat East African rivals Rwanda 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier encounter played at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Sunday October 10.

Fahad Bayo was yet again the punisher as his header in the 22nd minute of the game ensured that the Crane’s hopes of qualifying out of the Group E remained alive.

Here is how the triumphant Cranes starred on the evening.

Charles Lukwago (GK) – 6: Didn’t have a notable threat from the visitors but dealt well with their first half distant shots. Fair to say that he was comfortable.

Denis Iguma- 6: Stand-in captain with both Emmanuel Okwi and Khalid Aucho out and commanded his troops well enough. He was steady defensively despite the fact that he did not offer much offensively.

Aziz Kayondo- 6: The Vipers SC defender started at left-back despite Isaac Muleme starting the game as well. He was solid in defense but lacked the balance with offense like he has had Ugandans used to.

Isaac Muleme- 7: Muleme’s biggest threat often came from setpieces as was the case at the Nyamirambo stadium earlier this week. His corner at 22 minutes led to Bayo’s goal and thus climaxing a solid and effective display.

Enock Walusimbi- 8: Walusimbi has been Uganda’s most improved defender in the last one year or so given the maturity he exhibits on the pitch. His rise to the Cranes ranks has therefore been unsurprising. He was on show yet again today with his versatility and reliability. He dealt with everything that Amavubi Stars brought his way.

Timothy Awany- 7: As comfortable as ever with the ball on his feet along with the aerial duels. Awany was solid until his forced withdrawal due to injury.

Taddeo Lwanga- 6: Great first half as he foiled almost every attack from the opposition but fazed off as the visitors piled more pressure.

Bobosi Byaruhanga- 7: A joy to watch especially with the ball at his feet. Probed from the middle of the park pretty well but fazed off too, as the game wore on. He was generally comfortable for majority of the game.

Moses Waiswa- 7: Much better display compared to the first leg. He passed the ball well to find the forward players, linked up well with Steven Mukwala and Bayo. He however spunned a good chance at 20 minutes.

Steven Mukwala- 4: Great energy levels but as was the case in Kigali, he missed a golden opportunity to stretch the lead in the second half- can be better.

Fahad Bayo- 8: Micho’s main marksman currently, great goal poaching instincts. He offered well defensively as well when Rwanda threatened in set pieces. Man of the match.

Substitutions

Livingstone Mulondo- 6: He came on for the injured Awany and looked just as strong. Mulondo is destined for big things within the Cranes fold.

Martin Kizza- 5: Kizza played over 20 minutes after replacing Muleme and offered good energy but not much to impact offensively which is specialty.

Yunus Sentamu- 6: He came on for Mukwala in a like-for-like switch for the final quarter of the match and looked lively but not impactful. He was unlucky to miss from the freekick.

Ibrahim Orit- 5: Orit did not offer much going forward but gave Iguma good support.

Shafik Kagimu: N/A came on late.