By Robert Kayindi James
In previous encounters, Togo always came out on top, but their luck changed in a space of four days as Cranes defeated the Sparrow Hawks both away and at home.
A 1-0 win on Thursday at the Stade de Kegue in Lome thanks to Farouk Miya and a 3-0 victory yesterday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole with Miya’s brace and Massa’s early strike was a clear manifestation that Uganda gripped Togo and sending a clear message that West African countries may no longer be a big threat for the Cranes.
“It was a one team show and I don’t recall any single moment of brilliance from my side. Uganda were simply good on the day and deserved to win,” Belgian international and Togo head coach, Saintfiet remarked shortly after yesterday’s game.
Miya’s magical right foot and Massa’s pace were all at their best with anchorman, Tony Mawejje commanding the midfield with Baba Kizito and earlier on with Khalid Aucho who stepped off after sustaining an injury in the first half.
Isaac Isinde and Juuko Murushid were exceptional in the center-back while Joseph Ochaya and Dennis Iguma worked the left and right backs respectively even when Saintfiet insists that missing his stars was another big blow to his side’s performance.
“I summoned some of my trusted players like Emmanuel Shay Adebayor, Flod Ayite among others and they all snubbed the calls, so that is what happens when you’re missing your star players not forgetting the loss of a team Captain (Serge Akakpo) due to injury early on in the game.”
A 4-0 aggregate sent Uganda to the Africa-group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with Zambia and Morocco joining them at that level already.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com
