Taddeo Lwanga delivered a stellar performance in Uganda’s 2-1 win over South Sudan, marking his return to the Uganda Cranes starting lineup in style.
Overlooked during the World Cup qualifiers and September’s international break, Lwanga seized the opportunity in Juba, earning praise from fans and pundits alike for his commanding display in the defensive midfield role.
Playing the full 90 minutes, Lwanga was the heartbeat of the team, demonstrating his ability to break up play, recover possession, and dictate the tempo.
His composure on the ball and ability to thwart South Sudan’s attacks earned him widespread acclaim, with many lauding him as the standout player in the Cranes’ hard-fought victory.
The 29-year-old, who currently plays for APR in Rwanda, completed an impressive 47 out of 49 passes, boasting a remarkable 96% passing accuracy.
His precise distribution included six passes into the final third, providing key transitions that helped the Cranes maintain control of the game.
Despite a challenging match under heavy rain, Lwanga’s defensive work stood out, winning 75% of his tackles (3/4) and recovering the ball 11 times, more than any other player on the pitch.
Lwanga’s physical presence in midfield was evident in his ground duels, where he won six out of eight battles, and he also contributed aerially with one successful duel.
His tactical discipline, coupled with his intelligent positioning, allowed him to make key interceptions and clearances when needed, ensuring Uganda held firm against South Sudan’s attempts to break through.
Offensively, Lwanga didn’t shy away from taking shots, recording three attempts at goal, even though none were on target. He also provided one key pass, demonstrating his vision and creativity from deep positions.
While not directly involved in the goals, his contributions on both ends of the field were crucial in ensuring Uganda emerged victorious.
After his exceptional performance, Lwanga will be hoping to cement his place in coach Paul Put’s starting lineup as Uganda seeks to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His experience and leadership in the middle of the park, combined with his consistency at club level with APR, make him a strong contender to lock down the defensive midfield role moving forward.
