KCCA still in control despite marginal defeat

KCCA manager Mike Mutebi admits they will have to be more careful and decisive in two weeks’ time when the Ugandan champions host Namibia’s African Stars in the return leg of the preliminary round of Caf Champions League at Lugogo.
Mutebi was forced to name only four substitutes, of whom he used three – two of them forced as Uganda’s representatives surrendered an early lead to lose 3-2 at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.
Sadam Juma, Gift Ali and Robert Achai were not on the bench through illness as an Ivan Kemberipa own goal and a strike by KCCA forward Patrick Kaddu left the visitors in a decent position to turn things around in Kampala.
The hosts revival was started on 40 minutes when Ambrosius Amseb converted a penalty to cancel KCCA’s seventh minute lead after Peter Magambo handled in the area.
Youssouf Ibroihim then put the Stars ahead for the first time on 71 minutes before Kaddu leveled for KCCA seven minutes from time.
But Ibroihim completed his brace and Stars winner with a scorcher from outside the 18-yard box.
“Of course there is a lot of hope,” said manager Mutebi, “We conceded silly goals because of carelessness, not that the opposition overwhelmed us.
“But they played well. They were at home. And I believe we shall change when they come to Kampala.
“But it was a good game, because they were attacking, and we were attacking. Good for the fans, although jittery for the coach – end to end stuff, which is good for football. But I think in the return game we shall not be as careless as we were because we missed so many open chances,” Coach Mutebi said.

Caf Champions League
First round/preliminary first leg
African Stars 3-2 KCCA
Return leg in Kampala, August 23
KCCA vs African Stars