KCCA FC slimly lost 3-2 to Namibia’s African Stars in the CAF Champions League qualifier at Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek.
Notably were three players Gift Ali Abubakar, Achai Herbert and Sadam Ibrahim Juma who watched from the stands for various reasons.
Gift and Achai suffered from a fever they got during the long lay over in Capetown as the team had to wait for 17 hours in South Africa after Namibia Air fight number SW 708 was cancelled while Sadam Juma who missed the tie due to mild fever and a calf injury.
KCCA FC drew first blood in the 13th minute when African Stars’ Ivan Kamberipa turned and lobbed his keeper but the home side levelled through Ambrosius Amseb who struck from the penalty spot after Peter Magambo had handled the ball in the box.
KCCA FC looked the better side after the break with chances from Sadat Anaku, Patrick Kaddu and Muzamiru Mutyaba going wayward by inches.
Mike Mutyaba was withdrawn for Lawrence Bukenya to try stabilize the midfield and have Okello Allan push forward, operating from the flanks and cutting in. A new tactic that had the lad come to life in the game. Later, seemingly injured Kiiza and Okello was substituted and replaced by Musana Hassan and Eric Ssenjobe respectively.
African Stars also made changes as Tjiuna Tja Tjatindi replaced Pat Nevin while penalty scorer Amseb was withdrawn for Kaejarukapo Katjimune.
It was Comoros born Youssouf Ibroihim that claimed the day with two similar goals in the 71st and 85th minutes to win the 1st leg for the hosts.
Patrick Kaddu seemed to have restored parity in the 83rd minute but a lapse in concentration saw Youssouf Ibroihim grab the winner two minutes later.
Samuel Kato took matters in his own hands in stoppage time and struck what would have been the leveler but Seychelles referee Nelson Emile cancelled the goal claiming the ball had hit Kaddu’s hand in the buildup.
3-2 the final score. African Stars with the advantage after the 1st leg.
KCCA FC will host the 2nd leg after two weeks at Startimes Stadium, Lugogo on Friday 23rd August 2019 at 4pm.
The winner over two legs on aggregate will proceed to the 2nd final qualifier round of the CAF Champions League.
African Stars FC Line Up
Mata (GK), Kauapirura, Jetinda, Tjatindi(Pat Nevin), Kamberipa, Papama, Jena, Ketjijere ©, Amseb (Katjimune), Mbewe, Ibroihim
KCCA FC line up
Lukwago (GK) ©, Obenchan, Kato, Magambo, Kiiza (Musana), Kasozi, Muzamiru, Okello (Ssenjobe), Kaddu, Mutyaba (Bukenya), Anaku
Officials.
Nelson Emile (Referee) Seychelles
Hensley Petrousse (1st Assistant Referee) Seychelles
Gerrard Pool (2nd Assistant Referee) Seychelles
Bernard Camille (Fourth Official) Seychelles
Mmonwagothe Edwin Senai (Commissioner) Botswana
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