KCCA FC were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup in the second preliminary round, despite winning the return leg 3-2 against Libyan side Abu Salem at St Mary’s stadium in Kitende.
The aggregate score was 5-4 in favor of Salem, who had won the first leg 3-1 in Tunisia.
KCCA fans were hopeful of a comeback after Muhammad Shaban gave the hosts a first-half lead.
However, Salem equalized through Abdulmunem Aleiyan‘s penalty in the second half after Peter Nworah was brought down by James Mubezi.
KCCA bounced back through substitute Usama Arafat‘s strike with six minutes left to normal time, but the visitors levelled matters shortly through Mohamed Elghadi‘s strike off a counter attack.
Usama responded again with another strike to make it 3-2, but it was too little too late for KCCA, who were eliminated 5-4 on aggregate.
KCCA FC coach Sergio Traguil hailed the character of his players despite the elimination.
“We may have been eliminated but we put up a good performance,” Traguil said.
“The inexperience cost us but we are also trying to build a team. We shall improve with time to come.”
Salem coach Chokri Khatoui credited his side for their victory.
“We came with a strategy of not conceding so many goals,” Khatoui said.
“We also knew that the only way to remain in contention of the game we have to score which we did.”
With their CAF Confederation Cup campaign over, KCCA FC will now shift their focus to the Uganda Premier League title.
Courtesy Photos
