CAF Confederations Cup Preliminary round 2nd Leg
SC Villa (UG) Vs Khartoum Al Watani (SUD) – Nakivubo stadium @ 4pm (SC Villa lead 1-0 on aggregate)
Fresh from winning the league and CECAFA Kagame Cup, SC Villa eliminated Burundi’s Muzinga at the preliminary round of the 2003 CAF Champions League 4-2 on aggregate.
That earned them a date with Angola’s AS Aviacao in the first round and guess what, against all odds, Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic charges beat the Angolans 2-1 in the own backyard thanks to goals from Vincent Tendwa and super sub Alex Isabirye.
The away victory meant that the Jogoos could even afford a 1-0 home loss but still advance to next round but it wasn’t to be as the Angolans silenced a capacity crowd at Namboole as they won 2-0 to progress 3-2 on aggregate.
Twelve years later, SC Villa find themselves in a similar scenario on their return to continental football albeit in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The record league champions travelled to Sudan a fortnight ago and shocked home team Khartoum Al Watani with a 1-0 defeat thanks to midfielder Taddeo Lwanga’s solo goal.
With the return match on this Saturday at Nakivubo stadium, avoiding a repeat of the 2003 scenes overshadows the match itself.
SC Villa Technical Director who also doubles as head coach for CAF duty Frank Anyau has warned his charges that what they did away, Khartoum can do away too.
“Having lost at home I know from experience that Al Khartoum will approach the game with the mentality of nothing to lose,” he stated. “That makes it very dangerous for us. We have been drumming it in their heads to understand that the tie is clearly not yet decided,” he further explained as quoted by the Daily Monitor.
Team NEWS:
Denis Kamanzi and Yesseri Waibi miss out due to lack of documents while Karim Ndugwa has no CAF license but good news is that attacking midfielder Martin Kizza if fit again after missing the first leg.
Also back in contention for a slot is striker Fahad Toko and his aerial presence will be key for the hosts in case he is preferred ahead of the lethargic Umar Kasumba.
Key Players:
Ambrose Kirya (SC Villa) – He surprisingly started on the bench away but he is expected to be recalled to the starting team. His pace and eye for goal from midfield takes pressure off the centre forwards who have struggled in front of goal this term.
Michael Birungi (Khartoum) – The ex-KCCA winger scored twice for his new employers last week in the league and will be eager to put exert pain on his former club’s rivals.
He is quick and has an eye for goal and left back Isaac Muleme must be tight on him.
SC Villa Probable XI:
Nicholas Ssebwato (GK), Misi Katende, Isaac Muleme, Jonathan Mugabi (C), Henry Katongole, Taddeo Lwanga, Patrick Mbowa, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Ambrose Kirya, Fahad Toko and Martin Kizza.
