Uganda Cranes played at African cup of Nations for the first time after a 39year drought but returned on a losing note.
The cranes suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Black stars in a group D game played at Port de Gentil on Tuesday.
Andre Dede Ayew’s first half goal from a penalty was enough for Avram Grant’s side to earn victory.
ChimpSports’ Joel Muyita rates how each of the Uganda Cranes player performed against Ghana.
Dennis Onyango (GK) – 7.5
Without a doubt, Onyango was team’s man of the match. The giant goalkeeper kept Uganda in the game several times with great saves especially against Andrew Ayew and Christian Atsu and also commanded his defence line well.
Dennis Iguma – 5
Iguma was solid in the right back position closing out spaces on Jordan Ayew but he offered less in terms of going forward especially when Uganda was on the attack.
Joseph Ochaya – 5.5
A poor start for the lanky fullback always facing a threat from Christan Atsu in the first half. Ochaya became more composed in the second period and offered a lot of support in the offensive areas.
Isaac Isinde – 5
He was unfortunate that he gave away a cheap penalty after failing to control the ball and instead pulled down Gyan Asamoah in the forbidden area.
This haunted him throughout the time he was on pitch and failed to play to his best ability.
Hassan Wasswa – 7
Besides goalkeeper Onyango, Hassan Wasswa was the best outfield player for the Cranes. He marked out Asamoah Gyan, had timely interceptions and had a good reading.
Geoffrey Kizito Baba – 6
He provided good cover to the centre backs and worked tirelessly in the midfield. Even when he was drafted to defence after Isinde went off, Kizito still remained effective.
Mike Azira – 4
One of the games that Azira would want to easily forget. A poor display from the midfielder failing to deliver and losing possession quite easily.
Tonny Mawejje – 5
Got Uganda’s first shot on target in the 4th minute but became a bit nervous and was easily absorbed by Ghana’s Thomas Partey. He only resurrected towards the end as Uganda surged up for equaliser.
Geoffrey Massa – 4.5
The skipper failed to go past John Boye and Daniel Armatey. But became a bit productive when he fell deep after the introduction of Mohammad Shaban.
Miya Farouk – 5.5
He did not play to his best ability because of the limited service from the midfield but got Uganda’s realistic chance at goal though was denied by the post with his effort ricocheting off.
Luwagga Kizito – 4
Another player who failed to calm his nerves and got absorbed by the pressure of the game. He always lost possession easily.
Substitutes
Mohammad Shaban – 6
The teenage striker had an instant impact when he came on. He had the sheer will to run at Ghana’s defence and gave Uganda options going forward.
Moses Oloya – 5
He came on for Azira after recess and provided Uganda with more dimensions especially on the flanks and kept Harrison Afful busy throughout.
Geoffrey Sserunkuma – 4.5
Head coach Milutin Sredojevic introduced Sserunkuma as Uganda kept searching for an equaliser. But he didn’t get enough service to hurt Ghana.