KCCA seek to rewrite Nkana history
Odur wills past El Merriekh’s Kassenu Ghandy (R) in the first leg.
What you need to know:
George ‘Best’ Nsimbe and his boys are on the verge of creating their own piece of history as the first Ugandan club to eject a Zambian side in any continental competition. But their resolve faces a stern test against Nkana at Namboole this afternoon
KCCA secured the first point by any Ugandan side in eight attempts against Nkana FC last week.
Today, they will be aiming to also become the first Ugandan club to eliminate a Zambian side.
The two teams meet in the return leg of the Caf Champions League first round after the Ugandan side held their Zambian counterparts to a lively two-all stalemate last week.
That result was achieved despite KCCA being a man down in the second half after midfielder Tom Matsiko was sent off with the team trailing 2-1 at the time.
KCCA coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe believes the performance was an indication that his team has the belief to eliminate the 12-time Zambian champions.
Strong character
“We showed character especially in the second half,” said Nsimbe after Thursday’s training session at Namboole.
“And if we put up the same display, we have a decent chance of qualifying for the next stage.”
In Matsiko’s absence, Nsimbe is likely to start with three forwards again including striker Herman Wasswa, who was substituted midway through the first leg’s first half for Matsiko.
This should give chance to the coach to switch from the 4-3-3 formation that he employed but appeared ineffective in the previous continental home game against El Merreikh to the 4-4-2. Tony Odur, who has scored in all three of his side’s continental games, is expected to spearhead the attack with William Wadri occupying the wide berth on the right.
But Nkana’s Masautso Mwale says KCCA’s forwards will not see much of the ball. “They got that result (2-2) because we didn’t know much about them,” said Zambian tactician.
“But we exactly know who they (KCCA) are and won’t give them any chance.”
Mwale has named 17 of the 18 players from the first leg with only midfielder Frank Chibuye missing out due to a knee injury.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI
KCC
Salim Jamal (Goalkeeper), Ssaka Mpiima, Habib Kavuma, Richard Malinga, Fahad Kawooya (c), Ivan Ntege, Gadaffi Kiwanuka, Brian Majwega, Tony Odur, Herman Wasswa, William Wadri.
NKANA:
Rabson Mcheleng’anga (Goalkeeper), DonashanoMalama, Maybin Chishimba, Chrisju Munthali, Billy Mwanza, Sydney Kalume, Claude Bwalya, Kelvin Mubanga, Ronald Kampamba, Simon Bwalya, Shadreck Musonda (captain)
TODAY - CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RETURN MATCH
KCCA (Uganda) vs. Nkana FC (Zambia) (4pm, Namboole Stadium)
*KCCA held Nkana 2-2 in the first leg
