KCCA to bank on Okello magic in Cecafa Kagame Clubs Cup final
Fiery Mood. Okello scored two against Green Eagles. PHOTO BY AMINAH BABIRYE
What you need to know:
- Azam’s bid to retain the title a third consecutive time experienced a severe test when DR Congo’s Maniema Union took them the full distance in the semifinals only to prevail 5-4 in the spot kicks.
KAMPALA. The Cecafa Kagame Cup favourites tag sits okay with KCCA after they overcame Green Eagles’ spirited challenge to win the semis 4-3 on Friday and advance to today’s final.
With two-goal hero Allan Okello in full flow, KCCA will know this is their best chance to lift the crown after a 41-year wait, as they take on defending champions Azam in the final at Nyamirambo Stadium, Kigali today.
Not many would have predicted KCCA and the two-time winners to make the final at the start but Mike Mutebi’s side have rode on a slice of luck, resilience and individual brilliance to reach the final. Against the determined Zambians, Okello brought his magical wand to the fore, first by scoring inside two minutes with a solo drive that climaxed with an expert placing of the ball beyond opposite keeper Sebastian Mwange.
Okello then rescued KCCA when the Green Eagles led 2-1 in the 79th minute with a calm finish from a threaded Sadam Juma pass that ensured the game went into extra time. KCCA then killed off the contest in ruthless manner with two strikes from Sadat Anaku and Mike Mutyaba that rendered Green Eagle last minute attempted comeback futile.
“It was the toughest game we played. It was good experience for us because we have played in the Caf Champions league but this was a fantastic game,” said Okello.
“We thank God we are in the finals.” Okello and Mustapha Kizza have been the foremost revelation of a youthful side that KCCA has used throughout the regional tournament.
Azam’s bid to retain the title a third consecutive time experienced a severe test when DR Congo’s Maniema Union took them the full distance in the semifinals only to prevail 5-4 in the spot kicks.
Even though KCCA beat Azam 1-0 in the group stages, they will want to avenge the 2015 semifinal ouster in Dar es Salaam remains rife. The champions will pocket Shs112m and runners up Shs74m.
CECAFA KAGAME CHAMPIONSHIPS
Semifinal results
KCCA 4-3 Green Eagles
Azam 0(5) - 0(4) Maniema Union
Cecafa final, today
KCCA vs. Azam, 4pm
Nyamirambo Stadium, Kigali
