Kitara FC progressed to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history, beating Mogadishu City FC 2-0 at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Royals, having won the first leg 2-1, needed only a draw to advance. Instead, they pushed forward to score two more goals, securing a 4-1 victory on aggregate.
“We didn’t give our opponents a chance to score, and I am happy with the good job done by the players. Kitara is a strong team, and we will eliminate whoever comes in our path,” Kitara FC Head Coach George William Lutalo stressed.
Despite knowing their next opponent is Egyptian giant Al Ahly next month in October, Lutalo remains confident they will advance and make history.
In Saturday’s match, Patrick Kaddu set up Jimmy Kalema, whose initial shot was spilled by the goalkeeper right back into Kalema’s path. Kalema reacted quickest to fire the rebound into the net, giving Kitara the lead in the 29th minute.
Four minutes later, Gaddafi Wahab almost doubled the lead with a low effort, but the Mogadishu keeper got down well to keep it out. Kitara went into the break leading 1-0.
Kalema thought he had secured a brace shortly after halftime, only to see his shot cannon off the post with the keeper beaten.
Kitara sealed the win just after the hour mark. Frank “Zaga” Tumwesigye met a header from skipper Jasper Aheebwa and finished first-time with a clean half-volley.
Coach George William Lutalo made two changes to the starting lineup from the first leg. Murushid Jjuuko paired with Isa Lumu at the back, while Joel Mutakubwa took over in goal for Meddie Kibirige.
The rest of the squad maintained their positions: Miisi Ssemugera, Frank “Zaga” Tumwesigye, and Gaddafi Wahab in midfield, with Kabon Living, Jimmy Kalema, and Patrick Kaddu leading the attack.
It was a night to remember for two players in particular. Tumwesigye scored his first-ever continental goal, while Kalema capped off a brilliant competition debut with three goals across the two legs.
