A penalty save by Jamal Salim and a lot of pressure dominated the closing stages of the CAF Champions league return leg preliminary fixture between KCC FC and El Merreikh at Mandela national stadium, Namboole. Hosts KCC Fc lost the match 2-1 but still progressed to the next round 3-2 aggregate. The result sets up a clash with Zambia’s Nkana Red devils-a familiar name to Ugandan local fans. Nkana Red Devils of Zambia ejected Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows 5-4 on aggregate. The Zambians had lost the first leg 2-0 in Swaziland. Tony Odour netted KCC’s opener in the 7th minute and that meant El Merreikh needed 4 goals to dump out the Ugandan champions. But KCC Fc relaxed in the closing stages of the first half and conceded a goal on 40 minutes. Ahmed Elbasha netted for the Sudanese side. Keeper Jamal saved a penalty but his defenders failed to apply the simple basics of being alert when a penalty is taken.
‘We need to keep improving. I know my boys can do better than this’ said KCC FC coach George Nsimbe shortly after the game.
KCC FC team: Omar Salim Magoola, Fahad Kawooya (capt), Habib Kavuma, Saka Mpiima, Ibrahim Kizza, Gadafi Kiwanuka, Ivan Ntege, Herman Wasswa (M. Birungi), Tom Masiko, Tony Odur, William Wadri (Brian Majwega).
Meanwhile continental club football continues today with Uganda Cup holders Sports club Victoria University taking on CS don Bosco of Democratic Republic of Congo today. SCVU lost 3-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederations cup in Lubumbashi last weekend. The match will be played at Mandela National stadium, Namboole. Kick off-4pm.
