By Samuel Opio
KCCA FC produced a stunning performance as they beat their way to a memorable 2-0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly at the Mandela National stadium, Namboole on Tuesday.
It was the first game for any Ugandan club on home soil in the group stages of the CAF elite club competition-and it couldn’t be celebrated in a better way than humbling the African Champions League record winners.
Despite struggling in the opening minutes, the Kasasiro boys grew in confidence as the match advanced showing intensity, quality and stamping the ‘our way’ style of football.
Saddam Juma, who was just returning from a long-term injury, sent the stadium into frenzy in the 73rd minute when he collected a sweet pass from about 23 yards to launch a rocket that beat the towering world cup-bound Mohammed Elshenawy who had stretched to his limits in Ahly’s goal.
Timothy Awany doubled the lead at the stroke of normal time from the spot to cool down the pressure from the visitors. Derrick Nsibambi was hacked while trying to drive inside the 12-yards from the right.
Mike Mutebi the KCCA FC head coach expressed his delightful experience after the game giving credit to his goal keeper for the great job done.
“We exhibited very tactical discipline. As a coach am satisfied with the result on the day and the performance of the team players particularly the goalkeeper (Charles Lukwago) and Saddam Juma. There is still a lot to play for in the group,” he said.
KCCA lost 1- 0 to the Township rollers in Gaborone in their first group game.
The Kasasiro boys will be travelling to North Africa to play against Esperance on July 17 and thereafter host the Tunisians in a fortnight in Kampala in a return leg on July 27.
KCCA will in a return match host Rollers on August 17 before ending their group stage journey in Egypt against Al Ahly FC on August 28.
