Head coach of Uganda Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has described his goalkeeper Dennis Onyango’s as the best on the continent after a stellar performance against Ghana last Friday in the opening Fifa 2018 World Cup qualifier at Tamale Stadium.
The Cranes held the Group E favourites Ghana to a goalless draw much to the contentment of Micho and the Ugandan fraternity back home.
At the back of their return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1978 when they lost to Ghana 2-0in the final in Accra, the Cranes rode on their confidence to frustrate the Black Stars in front of a not-so full stadium in the northern part of the country.
Leading from the back was Onyango whose experience, leadership and individual brilliance in goal came in handy for Uganda against a star-studded Ghana side that boasted of captain Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu and Mubarak Wakaso who poised a constant threat in front of goal.
Notably in the 66th minute, Onyango denied Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey whose header at goal from a corner-kick was tipped over the woodwork to further frustrate the home side and the fans inside the Tamale Stadium.
“That is payback to me for whatever I have done for him in his life together with his agent Ivica Stankovic. This is mature performance of the best goalkeeper in African football at present,” said the delighted Micho who handed Onyango the captain’s armband after he left out striker Geoffrey Massa from the starting lineup.
The Serbian tactician has played a very key role in Onyango’s club and national team career, a feat the latter admits many a time.
Onyango helped South African PSL side Mamelodi Sundowns to the Caf Champions League final against Egyptian giants Zamalek with the first leg set for October 15 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 15:00 local time before heading to Borg el Arab for the return leg on October 23 at 20:30 local time.