- Tuesday May 23, 2017
- KCCA (Uganda) Vs Club Africain (Tunisia) – Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo 4pm
KCCA seek to keep their dream of reaching the quarter finals of the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup alive with their maiden win in the group stages of the competition.
The back-to-back Ugandan champions host Tunisia’s giants Club Africain in their second group match of the competition on Tuesday at Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo who jointly top Group A alongside Morocco’s FUS Rabat that beat KCCA in the opener.
Speaking to the press, Coach Mike Mutebi revealed knowledge about the North Africans but said they possess nothing special other than the usual Arab threat.
“We know a little bit about Club Africain,” said Mutebi. “When we were Morocco, I happened to watch about six matches played in their league and also last season’s matches on the continent,” he added.
But there is nothing special about them. Still same way the Arabs play, they want to dominate, have ball, and possess it well, and smart. Like Al Masry, Esperance, the approach is same.
Denis Okot, the team captain who missed the opening group game due to accumulation of yellow cards is optimistic they will get a positive result basing his argument on home advantage.
“I am excited to be back,” said Okot. “It’s a tough game against a big side but we are confident,” added the no nonsense former SC Villa and Gulu United defender.
If you look at the results, all teams at home nearly won and we have to take that inspiration with advantage of playing of our fans.
Team News
KCCA remains without Muzamiru Mutyaba (injury) and Ibrahim Saddam Juma (no license) but the return of Okot, Paul Mucureezi and Benjamin Ochan is timely for the Ugandan side.
The trio missed the loss in Rabat due to injury and suspension.
Key Stats
- KCCA haven’t lost a continental game at Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo. Won 2 and drawn 1.
- Club Africain’s last visit to Uganda ended 1-1 against KCCA’s rivals SC Villa at Nakivubo.
- KCCA haven’t scored more than a single goal on the continent and haven’t scored in two successive games now.
- Only two players have scored for KCCA in continental games so far – Geoffrey Sserunkuma (4) and Derrick Nsibambi (1)
- Club Africain still have a perfect record in the CAF Confederation Cup – won 4 games, scored 17 goals, conceded 5 and are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Players to watch
Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA) – He is the club’s lethal weapon with four goals so far and over 28 in all competitions this season.
Fresh from winning the league’s golden boot, the veteran centre forward must be at his lethal best if KCCA are to pick maximum points.
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Ibrahim Chenihi (Club Africain) – The Algerian international is their main weapon with the ability to play on both wings.
Chenihi has netted four goals so far in the campaign and if the former African champions are to keep their perfect record on the continent, he will have to be at his best.
KCCA Probable XI: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Denis Okot (C), Habib Kavuma, Timothy Awany, Paul Musamali, Denis Rukundo, Isaac Kirabira, Tom Masiko, Allan Okello, Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Derrick Nsibambi.
Substitutes: Douglas Kisembo (GK), Ivan Ntege, Noel Nasasira, Lawrence Bukenya, Isaac Muleme, Julius Poloto and Paul Mucureezi.