KCCA climb to third after narrow win over Rollers
Kaddu is mobbed by teammates. PHOTO BY J. BATANUDDE
Kampala- In the end, the “little fellas,” as KCCA manager Mike Mutebi deemed they were viewed by observers in Group A, had made a good account of themselves in pool that had Egyptian and Tunisian giants.
Two wins – including the 2-0 victory over Al Ahly, and three defeats to Esperance and Township Rollers is below average, yet few would argue KCCA have embarrassed themselves on their big stage group debut.
They have scored five goals and conceded as many but in between exhibited some good football and attitude.
Al Ahly had won 1-0 at Esperance on Friday to ensure the two progressed to the quarterfinals of the 2018 Caf Champions League no matter what happened between ‘little fellas’ KCCA and Township Rollers on Saturday.
But KCCA did not allow that to dampen their spirits, striker Patrick Kaddu striking eight minutes from full time to ensure they ended their home campaign with a 1- 0 victory.
“We (KCCA and Township Rollers) had to compete despite being the little fellas in the group,” said coach Mutebi.
“And when you watch all Caf Champions League games, we play the most expensive type of football.
“We have played three at the back and they are spread all over the field. That’s unique.”
Victory moved KCCA from bottom to third in the group on six points. Their final match is away at Al Ahly.
“We are pleased with organic growth of the club and players are growing more in confidence and probably the club.”
KCCA bossed good spells of the game yet it was a fairly balanced affair overall with both sides having a go at each other.
Sadam Juma and Kaddu each hit the woodwork and crossbar respectively in the first half as the two teams fought out a goalless period.
Seven minutes into the second half, forward Allan Okello had to be in the right place the other end to throw his body into Joel Otlogetswe Mogoros’s strike off a Township counter attack.
But it is KCCA that had the final say eight minutes from time, Kaddu capitalising on a goal-mouth melee resulting from Sadam’s teasing free kick to stab home the winner, also his first goal on the continent since debuting in the 3-2 away defeat to Esperance.
“I feel so happy that I have scored the goal that has won it for my team but for me this is all because of the team work we showed as teammates,” said Kaddu.
“I thank the technical team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to play on the continent. I’m also proud that I have not let them down. “I want to make scoring goals for KCCA a habit and I know as a striker it’s my responsibility to score for my club.”
