KCCA keep believing

PRETORIA.

Conceding twice inside seven minutes had turned KCCA’s dream of a Caf Champions’ League group stage appearance into a nightmare in the cold of Pretoria on Friday night.

Then, like many times before, predator Geoffrey Sserunkuma bagged a precious away goal in a 2-1 loss to African champions Mamelodi Sundowns that gives KCCA more than just belief ahead of a home second leg.

Soumahoro Bangaly and Ricardo Nascimento scored from a header and penalty respectively as the Azam Uganda Premier League champions and leaders made a timid start at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, South Africa. “The first 15 minutes we over respected the defending champions.

We were jittery. We conceded carelessly,” said KCCA coach Mike Mutebi.

“As the game grew, we gained confidence and played a responsible game.” He hit the nail in the head with most of his assessment.

Coach Pitso Mosimane’s side made the perfect start when Ivory Coast defender Soumahoro rose at the back post to head home a free-kick inside two minutes.

And it was 2-0 minutes later when Nascimento converted from the penalty spot as Thapelo Morena was fouled in the box by left-back Joseph Ochaya. It could have been 3-0 on 17 minutes had referee Janny Sikazwe not disallowed Castro’s header off Tebogo Langerman’s cross. The enterprising Percy Tau had ‘interfered’ in the build-up.

The worst had passed. Just before halftime, Paul Musamali’s strong left-foot strike warmed goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands’ gloves but it didn’t look like KCCA were resurrecting soon.

Sleek Sserunkuma
In the 69th minute, Sserunkuma side-footed substitute Derrick Nsibambi’s low cross. The manner in which celebrated and the way Mosimane spoke at full time confirmed that the pendulum is on KCCA’s side. “They are very good team. They are a good team. They play some football. Okay we let ourselves down we shouldn’t have allowed the goal,” Mosimane, the reigning Caf African Coach of the Year, said.

“We put ourselves in this situation and cannot complain. We didn’t play well.” Mutebi’s conclusion confirmed Mosimane’s fears. “Overall, it’s pleasing. The result is satisfactory. But, there is still a big hurdle,” Mutebi said.

There will be a sense of déjà vu as Sserunkuma scored in the preliminary round as KCCA beat Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto 1-0 at the Philip Omondi Stadium before losing 2-1 in Luanda.
A repeat will ensure a first appearance in the lucrative Caf Champions League group stage that has been expanded to 16 teams from eight this year. That guarantees KCCA at least US$550, 000 (about Shs1.9bn).

TOTAL CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
RESULT - FIRST ROUND, FIRST LEG
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 KCCA
*Return leg due on Saturday March 18 at Lugogo

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS KCCA
KCCA’ S PLAYING XI
Benjamin Ochan, Denis Okot (captain), Joseph Ochaya, Habib Kavuma, Timothy Awany, Ivan Ntege, Isaac Kirabira (Derrick Nsibambi), Muzamir Mutyaba, Geoffrey Sserunkuma (Allan Okello), Brian Majwega, Paul Musamali