CAF Confederations Cup
KCCA FC vs Mtibwa Sugar
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Saturday, 15-12-2018 @4pm
LUGOGO – KCCA FC will be hoping they can take a huge step toward qualifying for the Confederations Cup Group stages, when they host Tanzanian side-Mtibwa Sugar on Saturday afternoon.
Having reached the groups of the Champions League last season, Mutebi’s side finished second in the domestic league and were subsequently pushed into Africa’s second premier club competition following their Uganda Cup triumph.
Having had a successful campaign last season, anything but a group stage appearance will be deemed as under-performance at Lugogo this.
“Our target is always Group stage on the continent and if we don’t get there, it is a failed campaign for us, said Mike Mutebi ahead of the game.
“In the first game, we must make a statement and set the tone for winning the tie.
Asked about Mtibwa and the challenge they bring for his side, Mutebi had this to say;
“We are not going to play against minors because every club that reaches here is big.
“Yes they (Mtibwa) are not a house hold name but it will not be an easy game although i believe we have enough in our armoury to win while putting on a beautiful show like we have always done in the past.
KCCA heads into the game minus key midfielder Saddam Juma who was injured in their last league game, a loss to Express FC on Tuesday. They will also still be without Julius Poloto who is just nearing his return while Peter Magambo is a long term absentee.
For Mtibwa, they head into the game minus no major absentees.
The Tanzanians eliminated Sychelles side Northan Dynamos 5-0 in the Preliminary round but know how huge a stumbling block KCCA is.
“We are happy we arrived safe with everyone in good shape and managed to conduct successful sessions at Lugogo, said Mtibwa headd coach, Zubeiri Katwila.
“We are going to take on a very good team in KCCA but when we reached this stage, we knew it would get hard.
“KCCA have been on the continent before but we are ready to face them.
“Our target is to get a good result on Saturday, one we can build on in the return leg.
The second leg of the tie is in seven days.
Match facts:
This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides.
KCCA FC are featuring in their third Confederation Cup campaign since 2009.
The last time they were at this stage, they eliminated Egyptian side Al Masry in penalty shoot-outs to reach the Group stages last year.
KCCA go into the game having won four and lost as many in their last 8 CAF Confederation matches.
At home, KCCA are on a five game winning run in the Confederations Cup since 2009. In that period, they have scored 11 goals whilst conceding 4.
For Mtibwa, they are in their maiden campaign of the Confederations cup under the revised format.
Their only game away from home was the 1-0 victory over Northan Dynamo last month.
