NO GOALS? CONSIDER DEFENSIVE SIDE OF GAME

Uganda's midfielder Moses Oloya (back) challenges Ghana's midfielder Frank Acheampong during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Ghana and Uganda in Port-Gentil on January 17, 2017. / AFP PHOTO /

A lot of people will complain that they are not seeing victories or many goals at this 31st African Cup of Nations. Not me. I’m certainly enjoying the tournament.

A critical look at the 16 teams reveals not much separates them. All these teams are extremely well-organised and play with passion. Although Uganda never created many, if any, chances they still put a lot of crosses into the box.

Unfortunately for them, Razak Brimah was excellent and took every cross. Ghana have some top players. John Boye was excellent and Harrison Afful on the right has great pace. The two Ayews, Jordan and Andre, are top players.

Gyan is also very good and used his experience to win his team a penalty. He knows any contact he is going down. It did not also help that Isaac Isinde switched off mentally resulting in a bad touch that would eventually cost Uganda. However, everybody who knows the lad would feel for him because he is tactically disciplined. Let us face it, he is a very good player.

At both ends, generally the Cranes lacked concentration. At this top level, a slight lapse in concentration is costly because a player would fail to put away chances created or concede possession in dangerous areas.

It should not be lost though that Uganda played really well. I’m sure their fans won’t complain too much.

Dennis Onyango showed why he was voted top goalkeeper in the continent.

Unfortunately, Uganda never really did much offensively not for want of talent and attacking quality on their side.

However, credit should go to Ghana for they were strong defensively. John Boye was excellent.

Uganda can still qualify but they need to take something from the next game. To achieve it, they would need to apply themselves considering their remaining opponents, Mali and Egypt are very strong. I watched the Mali versus Egypt match. These teams are both very strong and I do think though all the groups are tough this one could be the toughest.

There was no quarter given or asked for and goal scoring opportunities came at a premium. I know everyone wants to see goals but you do have to appreciate the defensive side of the game also.

I got to give a special mention to the Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary to still be playing at the top level at 44 years of age is remarkable. Goalkeeper’s on a daily basis work so hard and punish their bodies. Credit to him. — Bobby is former Uganda and Harambee Stars coach