Sentamu Is Uganda Cranes’ Future – Micho
Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has said he is happy they have written history by winning the country’s first Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tie ever and praised goalscorer Yunus Sentamu.
“This is history that has been made because Uganda did not win a single game at the 2011 edition in Khartoum, Sudan,” Micho told reporters on Monday in Cape Town.
The Cranes defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 in a Group B tie match played at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday night.
The win took Micho’s team to top of the group after Zimbabwe and Morocco had settled for a goalless draw in an earlier match.
“We need to go out and write more history by winning more and more games. Facing Zimbabwe on January 16 will not be that easy, but we are going back to the drawing board to prepare well,” added the Serb.
The former Orlando Pirates and St. George (Ethiopia) coach said he was very proud of the 19-year-old striker Junior Yunus Sentamu, who scored the two goals for the team.
“It was Sentamu’s first time on a plane out of Uganda and he has scored two goals. This guy is the future of Ugandan football,” added the coach.
‘Micho’ said although many people thought he had picked Sentamu too early for international action, he has always had faith in him and was vindicated on the pitch against Burkina Faso.
Micho, however, stressed that Sentamu should not fly in the air because he has scored two goals, but should work harder to benefit himself and the national team.
Speaking about the defensive lapse in the second half, Micho said they have to go back and correct the mistakes.
He praised the maturity of Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, who stood firm against the Burkina Faso players in the midfield and the general team work of the team.
After the Zimbabwe game, the Cranes will face Morocco on January 20 in their last group game at the Cape Town Stadium.
We rate the individual performances of the Uganda Cranes in their 2-1 win over Burkina Faso at the 2014 CHAN.
6 Benjamin Ochan
The SC Victoria University goalkeeper did not have so many balls bother him in the first half. Although he made three good stops, he should have done better to stop Burkina Faso’s lone goal.
6 Julius Ntambi
The coach picked him ahead of experienced Nicholas Wadada. He played a good first half, but later showed slow reaction in the second half.
8 Richard Kasagga
He almost cost the team in the 13th minute when he lost the ball to the opponent and it was almost planted in the net. The blunder was a wake-up call and the defender stood firm and matched the Burkina Faso strikers, giving them no time to hover round the goal.
7 Savio Kabugo
The tall defender played his heart out and commanded the defence well. He, however, showed some poor marking in the second half on two occasions. He later limped off injured.
6 Isaac Muleme
He was superb in the first 45 minutes in defending and going forward, but soon faded as the game progressed. Burkina Faso’s only goal could have easily been stopped if he was more composed.
7 Ivan Ntege
The promising defender was good and played well to intercept many of the Burkina Faso raids at goal.
8 Hassan Wasswa Mawanda
He was outstanding in the midfield and marched the Burkina Faso players well. His physical presence, good passing and experience were at play.
6 Denis Guma
The team captain started well but soon faded. He missed two good scoring chances which could have given Uganda a bigger lead.
7 Vincent Kayizzi
The veteran winger, who has recently played professional football in Poland, showed why the coach selected him for the event. He was confident on the ball and tormented the opponents in the first half, but lost steam later.
9 Yunus Ssentamu
The youngster, who only turns 20 years later this year, was in good form with quick reaction and a hunger for goal. He scored in each half to help Uganda win the game.
6 Brian Majwega
He made a few good runs in the game, but often failed to make up his mind on what to do as he carried the ball for long spells.
Substitutes
6 Francis Olaki
He replaced Kayizzi and did not disappoint. He delivered the cross for the second goal and almost got himself on the score sheet.
4 Martin Mpuuga
Nothing really so special as he came on late in the game to replace injured Savio Kabugo.
Additional reporting by agencies