Even when they were considered as underdogs in Group A of the Total CAF champions league, Uganda’s football giants Kampala Capital City Authority(KCCA) FC, on Tuesday May 15, shocked the World when they convincingly humbled Egyptian and eight time African Champions Al Ahly FC 2 – 0 in Kampala.
Goals from Saddam Juma and Captain Timothy Awany as well as a spectacular penalty save from shot stopper Charles Lukwago, did not only send thousands of fans into frenzy at the Mandela National stadium, but also, sent a strong signal that ‘The Kasasiro boys’ are determined to progress to the quarter finals.
The Ugandan side and Ivan Ntege’s Township Rollers of Botswana, both playing at this stage for the first time, are pooled alongside Al Ahly of Egypt and two- time African champions Esperance from Tunisia.
Mike Mutebi’s team lost their opener against Rollers in Gaborone a fortnight ago, but their come back against Al Ahly on Tuesday most especially in the second half when they displayed a beautiful game and dominated possession, can exonerate their unconvincing earlier performance in Botswana.
Having played two games so far, Esperance, who also hosted and hammered Township Rollers 4 – 1 on May 15, tops group A with 4 points, Township Rollers in second position with 3 points and are tied on points with KCCA FC who are in the third position since Rollers have a better head to head against them. Favorites Al Ahly sit bottom of the group with only a point.
Meanwhile, following a surprising loss to Ugandans, Al Ahly’s tactician El Badry resigned as head Coach as he decried his side for displaying a poor game.
KCCA will travel 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. Thereafter, they will in a return match host Township Rollers on August 17 before ending their group stage journey in Egypt against Al Ahly FC on August 28.
But, what will be the impact of goal keeper, Charles Lukwago in the next games?
Team coach Mike Mutebi, is optimistic about Lukwago’s ability to sail the boys past this stage and make history, not only as the first Ugandan club to play in the CAF group stages as it stands, and possibly in the quarter finals.
“He is employed to play for the team. He uses the ball with the legs and reads the game very well. He was missed in Botswana,” Mutebi said of Lukwago.
“KCCA FC have defeated the biggest club in African football and it is not just defeating them, but the boys played well and it gives us a huge boost to keep going,” he added.
However, KCCA FC is scheduled to play Esperance on July 17 in Tunis, a club it lost to, 1 – 9, in 1998, but KCCA’s recent run against North and West African clubs is amazing. History may not repeat its self.
The boys have beaten Rivers United(Nigeria), Club Africain(Tunisia), Fus Rabat (Morocco) and the most recent, South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, who narrowly survived falling prey to them.
