Atlabara stand in KCC’s path to Cecafa semifinal

Coach Nsimbe’s side last won the Cecafa club cup in 1978. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

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KCC coach George Nsimbe believes the opposition will still be accorded respect despite their lack of experience

KAMPALA

KCC will be favourites to progress to the semifinals when they come up against South Sudan side Atlabara in the Cecafa Kagame Cup in Kigali this evening.
KCC, the 1978 champions advanced after topping group B with nine points that included a 1-0 victory over local side APR as well as victories over Atletico and Gor Mahia.
They will be up against an Atlabara side that qualified for this stage after three draws left them with three points, the lowest number for any side left in the competition.

The Leo Adraa coached team is also featuring in the competition for the first time after South Sudan acquired independence in 2011 and was only admitted to the competition two years ago.
KCC coach George Nsimbe whose team were eliminated 4-0 at this stage by Attraco, the last time they took part in 2009, however, believes the opposition will still be accorded respect despite their lack of experience.

Respect
“We have to respect the opposition because they came here after winning their league and the fact that they have qualified from the group means they are a strong side,” said Nsimbe after Sunday’s APR win.
Key to their progress will be the performance of winger Brian Majwega who has impressed at the tournament and picked up his third man of the match award against APR.
That victory, however, came at a cost after a second booking for captain Saka Mpiima resulted into suspension for today’s encounter.
There are also fitness doubts about goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi who sat out Monday’s training session after suffering an injury on Sunday while striker Derrick Nsibambi hurt his knee during Monday’s session.
Isaac Ntege is consequently expected to take Mpiima’s slot while Martin Elungat is the only other goalkeeping option for Nsimbe’s side.