Bayo sets the ball rolling for Cranes

World Cup Qualifier

Result

Rwanda 0-1 Uganda

Fahad Bayo finnished off a close range effort to help Uganda Cranes register three crucial points in the World Cup Qualifier match played in Kigali Thursday evening.

Bayo who plies his trade in Israel with Ashdod scored in the 41st minute was shamefully stretchered off the pitch due to a hamstring scare. The big man struck from the goal line after Byaruhanga Bobosi volley from Isaac Muleme’s set piece. Milutin Sredojević Micho, the Uganda Cranes head coach will pray his star striker recovers quickly for the return match in Kampala on Sunday.

Bayo’s strike partner Steven Mukwala could have seen his side go two goals up but he instead guided Isaac Muleme’s excellent cross from the left side of the pitch way over the cross bar. Mukwala was clearly disappointed with his misdirected effort as he threw his hands around in absolute shame.

Micho had his players execute his plan to detail since both sides deployed the same 4-4-2 system. However, the Cranes coach was more defensive with his skipper Khalid Awucho and Tadeo Lwanga sitting deep to thwart threats to attack minded Amuvubi midfield which included; Haruna Niyonzima, Kevin Muhire and Rafael York.

Rwanda had the lion’s share of the proceedings on the pitch and in the second half had Haruna Niyonzima handed a glorious opportunity but sent the ball flying to the corner flag. It was the closest they came to scoring.

Meddie Kagere who changed citizenship to play for Rwanda was largely frustrated by the tight Ugandan backline marshalled by Timothy Awany, Enock Walusimbi, Muleme and Denis Iguma.

Micho has the away mission done and will be happy with his boys after the fixture which puts them temporarily on top of the group which has Mali and Kenya.

However, he will go into Sunday’s game well aware Rwanda are not done with having lots of the ball. The Serbian can’t afford to play the same style at home. He will need to have his midfield control the game, allowing Moses Waiswa to free himself more.

He will pray his lead man Bayo recovers from what appeared like hamstring injury to finish the job for him. Hussein Ssentamu came on get some playing time but he should be fresh just in case the Israeli based striker does not recover.

Stephen Mukwala who started the game should pave way from somebody like Orit Ibrahim with the team able to play expansive rather than the narrow approach they had in Kigali.

Micho’s decision to start Charles Lukwago ahead of Ismail Watenga did pay dividends for him with the former KCCA FC goalie orchestrating composure and calmness in his maiden competitive game for the Cranes.

Team

Charles Lukwago, Iguma Denis, Timothy Awany, Enock Walusimbi, Isaac Muleme, Tadeo Lwanga, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Khalid Awucho, Stephen Mukwala, Bayo Fahad

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