Uganda 2-0 Somalia Player Ratings: Allan Okello 8.5/10 Rated as Comfortable 2-0 Victory for the Cranes

Uganda put on a dominant display at the Stade de la Réunification, securing a comfortable 2-0 win over a struggling Somalia side. This victory in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers fixture was effectively sealed in the first half. From our perspective, the result was never really in doubt once Uganda got going. The Cranes started with immense intensity. They were rewarded early when Allan Okello converted a penalty in just the 6th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Somalia couldn't find a foothold in the game. It felt like they were just trying to survive the onslaught. Before halftime, Jude Ssemugabi doubled the lead with a smart finish, and it was pretty much game over from there.

The second half was a much quieter affair. Uganda controlled possession without needing to push for more goals. What stood out to us was the game management. Both managers made several substitutions, which disrupted the game's flow, turning it into a scrappy contest at times. Somalia, for their part, showed a bit more resilience defensively after the break but offered almost nothing going forward. It was a professional, if unspectacular, performance from Uganda to see out the win. Here are the Uganda vs Somalia player ratings.

Uganda Player Ratings vs Somalia

Here are the Uganda player ratings.

Goalkeeper

S. Magoola - 6.5: A very quiet evening for the Ugandan keeper. He had virtually nothing to do all game as Somalia failed to register any meaningful attacks. Commanded his area well on the few occasions he was called upon. Kept his concentration to secure a simple, clean sheet. An easy day at the office.

Defenders

Toby Sibbick - 7.0: A solid and composed performance at the back. He was untroubled for the entire 90 minutes. We noticed his positioning was excellent, cutting out any potential danger before it developed. He was comfortable on the ball and initiated a few attacks from the back.

Elio Capradossi - 6.5: Partnered Sibbick well for the most part and contributed to the clean sheet. However, he gets marked down for a needless yellow card just before halftime. It was a moment of indiscipline that was completely unnecessary in the context of the game.

Jordan Obita - 6.0: Much like Capradossi, he had a solid game but blotted his copybook with a late yellow card. He was defensively sound and didn't give his opponent any room. From our perspective, the late booking was born out of frustration in a scrappy end to the match.

Aziz Kayondo - 7.0: A reliable performance from the full-back. He balanced his defensive duties with a willingness to get forward and support the attack. Kayondo wasn't tested much defensively, which gave him the license to overlap.

Midfielders

Kenneth Semakula - 7.5: The unsung hero in Uganda's midfield. He was relentless in his work rate, breaking up play and shielding the back four. What stood out to us was his ability to win the ball back and quickly transition to attack. A disciplined and effective performance that allowed the creative players to shine.

Khalid Aucho - 8.0: The captain led by example with a commanding performance in the middle of the park. He completely dominated the midfield battle. His passing was crisp and he controlled the tempo of the game effortlessly. A true general, he was instrumental to Uganda's control of the match.

Allan Okello - 8.5: What a performance from the midfielder. He was the key that unlocked the game for Uganda. From our perspective, his confidence to step up and bury the early penalty was crucial. He didn't just score; he was a constant creative force. His movement was intelligent, and he was always looking to make things happen.

Forwards

Rogers Mato - 7.0: A very lively and energetic performance. His constant movement and running caused all sorts of problems for the Somalian defence. He may not have gotten on the scoresheet, but his contribution was significant. He stretched the play and created space for others before being subbed off late on.

Steven Mukwala - 6.5: He put in a real shift upfront, chasing down defenders and holding up the ball. It was a selfless performance, but he lacked that clinical edge in front of goal. From our perspective, he did everything but score. He was substituted in the second half after a tireless effort.

Jude Ssemugabi - 8.5: He took his goal brilliantly with a composed left-footed finish. He was a constant threat alongside his fellow attackers. What stood out was his clinical nature when the chance came. He fully deserved his goal, which effectively killed the game as a contest.

Substitutes

Denis Omedi - 5.5: Came on for Mukwala but struggled to get involved in the game. The match was already won and the tempo had dropped significantly.

Joseph Mpande - N/A: A late substitution with little time to make any impact.

Reagan Mpande - N/A: Brought on in the 89th minute, not enough time to warrant a rating.

Manager

Fred Muhumuza - 8.0: Got his tactics absolutely perfect. His team started on the front foot and secured the win in the first half. His decision to press high early on paid off handsomely. He managed the second half professionally, using his substitutions to see the game out. A very well-managed victory.

Somalia Player Ratings vs Uganda

Here are the Somalia player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Abdirahman Mohamud - 5.0: A tough night for the keeper who was let down by his defence. He had no chance with the penalty. He was left exposed for the second goal as well. He did make a couple of routine saves to stop the scoreline from getting worse.

Defenders

Unknown Player - 4.5: Part of a backline that was completely overwhelmed in the first half. He struggled to cope with the movement and pace of Uganda's attackers. Things were a bit more stable in the second half, but the damage was already done.

Faysal Abu Bakr - 4.5: He had a torrid time trying to contain Uganda's forwards. He was often pulled out of position and looked a step behind the play. He was eventually substituted late in the game after a challenging 86 minutes. He never really got to grips with the game.

Ali Omar - 4.0: Another defender who looked out of his depth. The Ugandan attack seemed to get past him with ease, especially in the first half. From our perspective, he lacked the physicality and awareness to compete at this level.

Abdulle Abdullahi Abdulle - 3.5: Arguably the worst performer on the pitch. He was completely overrun in the first 45 minutes and offered no resistance. It was no surprise to see him hooked early in the second half.

Midfielders

Mohamed Omar - 5.0: The captain tried his best to lead his team, but it was a thankless task. He was overrun in the midfield battle and spent most of the game chasing shadows. He showed some fight and determination, but it wasn't nearly enough.

Abdi Sharif - 5.0: He worked hard but was simply outclassed by his Ugandan counterparts. He was tenacious in the tackle but lacked quality on the ball when he did win it back. A battling performance but with little to no impact on the game's outcome.

Bilal Habib - 4.5: Similar to his midfield partners, he struggled to impose himself. He was bypassed easily and failed to provide any protection for his defence. The game seemed to happen around him rather than him being involved in it.

Yasir Abdiqadir Sa'Ad - 5.0: He was brought on to try and change things but the game was already lost. He added some fresh legs but couldn't influence the proceedings in any meaningful way.

Forwards

Handwalla Bwana - 4.5: He was completely isolated and starved of service. It's hard to be too critical when your team offers so little going forward. He made a few runs but was easily marshalled by the Ugandan defence. Substituted in the second half.

Ali Musse - 4.0: An anonymous performance. He barely touched the ball and had zero impact on the game. He was the first player to be substituted, which tells you everything you need to know about his contribution.

Substitutes

Farhan Ahmed - 4.5: Came on and his most notable contribution was picking up a yellow card. Didn't offer much else.

Ayman Hussein - 5.0: Brought on to change the dynamic but couldn't get into the game.

Ayuub Ahmed-Nur - 5.0: Added a bit of energy but the game was already over as a contest.

Mohamud Ali - N/A: A very late substitute with no time to make an impression.

Manager

R. Loustik - 4.0: His team looked unprepared for Uganda's intensity from the start. The defensive shape was all wrong in the first half, leading to two cheap goals. His substitutions were logical but had no effect on the outcome. A poor tactical display against a superior opponent.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Allan Okello