KCC FC sets up date with Zambia’s Nkana Red Devils

Uganda’s representatives in the Orange Caf Champions league KCC FC have set up a date with Zambia champions Nkana Red devils after eliminating Sudan’s El Merriekh in the preliminary round.

George Nsimbe’s side lost 1-2 to El Merriekh in the return leg played at Mandela national stadium, Namboole but qualified for the next stage on a 3-2 aggregate following a rare 2-0 victory in Khartoum last weekend.

Tony Odur opened the scoring in the 7th minute after El Merriekh defender Amir Kamal Suliman failed to clear danger.

At this moment, KCC FC were in ascendency and should have doubled the lead but Herman Wasswa’s shot on the edge of the area was well saved by Akram Elhadi in goal for a corner.

The visitors slowly got back into the game and their dominance there after resulted in an equalizing goal from Alhmed Elbasha in the 40th minute.

The first half ended 1-1 but the Sudan side came out all attacking after recess and created a number of scoring opportunities but put them to waste.

With 14 minutes left on the clock, KCC FC left fullback Habib Kavuma brought down Shimilis Bekele in the forbidden area and the referee made no mistake but pointed to the spot amidst protests from the KCC FC players.

Jamal Salim whose heroics in Sudan saw him save a Pascal Wawa penalty once again saved Mohammed Traore’s effort but the striker netted on a cut after Bekele did a good follow up to set up a tense close stages for the hosts as a goal by El Merriekh would have eliminated KCC FC.

The Lugogo based side came close moments later but Tom Masiko was a culprit for missing the game’s clearest scoring opportunity. The midfielder intercepted a clearance from the Sudan’s defence and beat the defender and goal keeper with a dummy but shot just over the bar.

The aggregate win for KCC FC sets up a second round date with Zambia’s Nkana Red Devils who eliminated Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows 5-4 on aggregate.

The Zambians lost the first leg 2-0 but beat the Swallows 5-2 in the return leg in Zambia.

KCC FC Line Up:

KCC: Omar Salim Magoola (GK),Fahad Kalule Kawooya, Habib Kavuma, Saka Mpiima, Ibrahim Kizza, Gaddafi Kiwanuka, Ivan Ntege, Herman Wasswa (Michael Birungi), Tom Masiko, Tonny Odur, William Wadri (Brian Majwega).

Unused subs: Nicolas Ssebwato (G K), Rogers Aloro, Ronnie Kisekka, Richard Malinga and Hakim Ssenkumba

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