The Ugandan football giants KCCA FC have Saturday afternoon beaten visitors St George FC 1 – 0 in the return leg of the CAF champions league first round and qualified for the tournament’s group stages.
KCCA’s goal came from striker Muhammad Shaban in the 47th minute after a beautiful assist from midfielder Kizza Mustafa, sending the fully parked StarTimes Stadium into cheers.
The game started on a very tight note as each side displayed their best to have an early lead, but the Ugandans appeared more formidable as they took several shots on target.
KCCA’s Mutyaba mounted more pressure to the visitors in the 16th minute as he took a powerful strike on goal, thanks to St George’s shot stopper and Ugandan Odongkara who comfortably saved it.
In the 22rd minute, Paul Mucureezi, took another beautiful cross which almost saw Shaban scoring, only to be intercepted by Tamene.
Panic ensued from the KCCA FC side in the 23rd minute as visitors took a hard shot on goal, but goalkeeper Lukwago was alert and quickly pounced it out before Mesfin was booked ending first half goalless.
Two minutes into the second half, former Onduparaka FC striker Muhammad Shaban had already put the hosts in the lead with a beautiful strike which revived KCCA FC chances to playing in the group stages.
Goal machine Muhammad Shaban almost converted a fine pass from Kizza Mustafa in the 54th minute, thanks to goalkeeper Odongkara. The visitors responded with several attacks and goal attempts only to be clearly managed by KCCA’s solid defence until the final whistle.
Mike Mutebi’s side has now qualified for the group stages of the top most club tournament on the continent and becomes the first club in Uganda to reach this level.
Last year, KCCA FC was knocked out of the same tournament by South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, but put a tough come back this year and eliminated Madagascan champions SNaPs united before kicking out the Ethiopian side today.
KCCA FC qualification has already granted them USD 555,000 (Shs 1.9 billion) from the confederation of African football (CAF).
KCCA starting XI
Lukwago, Kavuma, Awany, Okot, Kizza, Kirabira, Mutyaba, Mucureezi, Okello, Shaban and Nsibambi.