Kitara FC booked their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a convincing 2–0 victory over Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday.
The Royals completed a 4–1 aggregate triumph, building on their 2–1 advantage from the first leg to secure a second successive victory over the Somali champions and maintain their impressive start to their continental campaign.
Jimmy Kalema once again proved instrumental, opening the scoring in the first half before Frank Tuwesigye Zaga sealed the result after the interval with a superb volley.
Kitara made two changes to the team that started the first leg, with Joel Mutakubwa replacing Meddie Kibirige in goal, while experienced defender Murushid Juuko returned to the starting XI in place of Benjamin Nyakojo.
Having scored twice in the opening encounter, Kalema needed little time to underline his importance to the tie.
The forward broke the deadlock after Patrick Kaddu created the opening, releasing Kalema into a dangerous position.
His initial effort was parried by Mogadishu City goalkeeper Yusuf Yusuf, but Kalema reacted sharply to the rebound and fired home.
The goal gave Kitara greater control and forced their opponents to chase the game, although the Royals remained disciplined enough to preserve their lead through to half-time.
Mogadishu City needed a strong response after the restart, but Kitara instead tightened their grip on the contest.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 62nd minute when captain Jasper Aheebwa headed Kabon Living’s cross into the path of Tuwesigye.
The midfielder met the ball with a composed volley that left Yusuf with little chance.
Tuwesigye’s strike effectively ended Mogadishu City’s hopes of overturning the tie, extending Kitara’s aggregate advantage to 4–1.
From there, the Royals managed the closing stages with maturity, keeping the Somali side at bay to register another clean sheet and complete a comfortable passage into the next round.
Kalema finished the two-legged tie with three goals, while Kitara’s overall performance reflected a side growing in confidence on the continental stage.
Their reward, however, is a formidable assignment.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly now stand between Kitara and the next stage of their CAF Confederation Cup adventure, setting up one of the biggest tests in the club’s continental history.
The second preliminary-round first legs are scheduled for October 16–18, with the return legs to follow between October 23 and 25.
From eliminating Mogadishu City 4–1 on aggregate, Kitara now face the daunting prospect of measuring themselves against one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
