After KCCA FC squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 away to Esperance in the CAF Champions league group stages, head coach Mike Mutebi has come out to suggest that his team lost because the players were naive.
KCCA took an early lead through Jackson Nunda on 18 minutes and four minutes later, Kalil Chemmam put into his own net to make it 2-0 to the Kasasiro Boys.
However, the Tunisian’s found two quick fire goals before half time and eventually won the game with eight minutes to play when Bilel Mejri tapped home the winner.
“It was a chess game but so interesting, said KCCA FC coach Mike Mutebi after the game.
“We went toe to toe with them and tried several tactics but as an emerging force, we tried our best and you could see that our efforts were up there with those of a very much respected Esperance.
“I think they (Esperance) were more effective with their chances and deserved to win because they were slightly better than us on the night.
“Before the game went into half-time, we had a one on one situation that would have made it 3-2 in our favor.
“We had come here to win and that is why we did not play defensive.
“Despite the fact that we respect Esperance, i think we were supposed to win the game but because of the naivety of our kids, we lost the game.
“Otherwise, with more experience, maybe we would have held onto that 2-0 lead.
“When we go back home, we will try to win because i believe we will have better confidence and try to play the same way.
KCCA FC is expected return to Kampala on Wednesday evening and will embark on preparations for the return leg next week.
The two teams will do battle again on the Saturday of 28th at the Mandela National stadium.
In the other Group A game, record champions Al Ahly registered their first win of the campaign thanks to a 3-0 victory over Botswana side, Township Rollers at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
Moroccan Walid Azarou gave Al Ahly the lead nine minutes to half time before Ali Maaloul added a second on 75 minutes. Four minutes later, Islam Mohareb sealed the victory with a third off Azarou’s assist.
The victory moves Al Ahly to second on the log with four points from three games. Esperance lead the way on seven points as KCCA FC fall to the bottom of the pile having now lost two of their opening three games.
The KCCA FC starting eleven against Esperance de Tunis:
Charles Lukwago, Bernard Muwanga, Timothy Awany, Mustapha Kizza, Ibrahim Saddam Juma, Muzamir Mutyaba, Gift Ali, Julius Poloto, Allan Okello, Jackson Nunda and Mohammed Shaban.
