Draw good enough for URA, says Nkata

Soccer. URA travel to Cameroon without their former top scorer Robert Ssentongo, who moved to Ethiopia’s St George last month.

URA are not bothered by memories of their last encounter with Coton Sport ahead of their second trip to Cameroon.

But when the two sides face off in the initial preliminary round stage of the Caf Champions League first leg on Saturday, that 3-0 thrashing they suffered at the hands of the hosts with a goalless draw in Kampala sealing the tax collectors’ elimination will nonetheless linger.

However, Nkata, who replaced Alex Isabirye as URA coach recently, remains confident of picking up a point in Cameroon.

“We have gone through the drills and I’m confident my players are ready for the encounter come Saturday,” said the former SC Villa player and tactician. “I know it won’t be easy beating them at their own ground but a draw will work for us since the return leg will be in Kampala next month.”
URA were last year disqualified after they failed to honour the return leg against Mali’s Djoliba, who had taken a 2-0 lead from Kampala.

The tax collectors survived being penalized after Caf took in their reasoning for not traveling to an insurgent Mali at the time.
Ali Ssekatawa, the URA chairman, backed his coach they have a significant chance.

“Having dropped out last year due to the security situation prevailing in Mali, we assure all Ugandan fans that we have strengthened the team technically in all departments and we are prepared to take on any team on the continent,” explained Ssekatawa.

The team where due to leave the country today morning with a 28-man contingent (16 players and 12 officials). URA warmed up for the trip with 1-0 friendly win over Victoria University on Tuesday. Yayo Lutimba scored the goal from the spot.

awasike@ug.nationmedia.com