Coton Sport Garua 0–0 URA FC
Uganda’s representatives in the 2013 Caf Champions league URA FC started the campaign on a positive note after holding Cameroon’s Coton Sport Garua to a barren draw away in Cameroon.
The tax collectors who were missing the services of experienced right full back and captain Simeon Masaba who suffered an injury before kickoff had to defend with a lot of discipline and had man of the match Allan Owiny to thank for the endless saves he made to deny the side that beat the tax collectors 3-0 in 2007 the last time the two met at the same stadium.
Despite endless pressure piled by the hosts in the first half, Ugandan representatives held on to ensure the game ends level at half time.
The second half was no different as Coton Sport’s search for the all important goal continued but the tax collectors’ rearguard manned by the young Sam Ssenkomi and custodian Allan Owiny remained resilient.
Coach Paul Nkata introduced former Express FC midfielder Yayo Lutimba for the tired Said Kyeyune to make the midfield more compact and reduce the hosts pressure a tactic that worked.
The 2012 Bell Uganda Cup winners who earned an opportunity to represent Uganda in the competition after league champions Express FC withdrew still held on the second half to tie the game 0-0.
The two sides will clash in the return leg in the next weeks to determine who makes it to the first round. URA FC will need to win the game by any margin to progress.
URA FC Line Up: Allan Owiny (GK), Sam Mubiru, Sam Ssenkomi, Derrick Walulya, Allan Munaaba, Oscar Agaba, Moses Feni Ali (Owen Kasule), Osama Farouk, Said Kyeyune (Yayo Lutimba), Augustine Nsumba and Benson Ociti (Erisha Ssekisambu).