Kitara Football Club will look to complete the job at home when they host Mogadishu City Council in the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round on Saturday.
The Ugandan side carries a slender 2-1 advantage into the return fixture at Hoima City Stadium, with a place in the first round at stake.
Club president Deo Kasozi has urged supporters to turn up in large numbers as Kitara seeks to build on its first-leg victory and advance to the next stage of the continental competition.
Photo by John Batanudde
Addressing journalists at Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday, Kasozi expressed appreciation for the support the club received during the first leg and appealed for an even stronger turnout in Hoima.
“This Saturday, as we host the return leg, I call upon more fans to come in big numbers as we target progress to the next round of the competition,” Kasozi said.
Kitara’s first-leg success came through Jimmy Kalema, who scored twice after Mogadishu City Council had taken an early lead through Akram Khamis Ilyaas.
Kasozi revealed that the club was permitted by CAF to accommodate 17,000 spectators for the first leg, with 15,061 tickets sold across the ordinary and VIP categories.
He described Saturday’s fixture as another significant milestone for the club, particularly as Kitara prepares to host its first competitive CAF match in Uganda.
“This is the first time we are hosting a competitive CAF game in Uganda.
Kitara Football Club is on track to qualify for the next round.
We expect good results.
I am only asking for support for fans to come for the home game this Saturday,” he said.
The Kitara president also clarified the circumstances surrounding the 40-minute delay to the kick-off in the first leg, attributing it to issues concerning bench permits for members of the technical team.
According to Kasozi, the matter has since been resolved, with head coach Wasswa Bbosa set to receive a provisional licence that will allow him to occupy the technical area on Saturday.
Kasozi also acknowledged the Government of Uganda’s financial support to football clubs, describing the intervention as important to the growth and competitiveness of Ugandan football on the continental stage.
“Any sort of money to football is much appreciated. We therefore thank the Government of Uganda for the financial support,” he said.
Kitara will progress to the CAF Confederation Cup first round if they successfully protect their aggregate advantage against the Somali champions.
The winner of the tie will face Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC in the first round.
