By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda’s representatives in the CAF inter-clubs competitions Express and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) started their respective journeys with broad smiles following identical 2-1 wins at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, under closed doors.
Express, making a 24-year absence on the continent was the first in the business on Friday, overcoming Sudan’s Al Merrikh with strikers Erick Kambale and Martin Kizza on target in the 6th and 60th minutes respectively during the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
Al Merrikh got their consolation through Bakri Abd Elgadir’s 38th-minute strike.
The return leg will happen on Friday, 17th September 2021 in Khartoum city.
‘We played well and scored two important goals. We have to play with determination and caution in the return leg to qualify for the first round’ James Odoch, assistant coach at Express FC revealed.
Meanwhile, URA returned to the continent since 2015 and won 2-1 over visiting Ethiopia’s side; Ethiopian Coffee.
Steven Mukwala, fresh from Uganda Cranes duties notched a brace in the game, both goals coming in the first half (22nd and 38th minutes).
William Solomon Tesfay pulled a goal back for the free-passing Ethiopians and will have something to play for when the return leg comes knocking on Sunday, 19th September 2021 at the Bahir Dar International Stadium.
URA FC Head coach Sam Timbe was full of praise for the maximum points recorded at home, an achievement that they have to shield on the away trip.
‘Winning at home and in the first leg was important. We have to fight gallantly and protect this lead when we travel to Ethiopia next week’ Timbe who came to the touchline in the second half stated.
Both Express and URA will travel to their respective destinations mid-week.
