CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 (Preliminary Round, 1st Leg):
- Mogadishu City Council (Somalia) 1-2 Kitara (Uganda)
Thousands of spectators at the magnificent Hoima City Stadium were treated to exciting continental club football for the first time ever.
Kitara Football Club recovered from a goal down to outmuscle Somalia’s Mogadishu City Council 2-1 during the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, 6th September 2026 in a duel whose kickoff was delayed by 40 minutes (failure for Kitara officials to clear CAF bench permits on time).
Akram Ilyaas put Mogadishu City Council in the lead after 17 minutes with Jimmy Kalema netting a brace under two minutes in the 33rd and 34th minutes.
Kitara commenced the game brilliantly with a quick break orchestrated by lead forward Patrick Henry Kaddu who was fouled near the corner flag area by the goalkeeper Lampaza after two minutes.
On the break, Ilyaas shot way off target for Mogadishu City Council in the 5th minute.
Two minutes later, a long ball from Living Kabon intended for Kaddu was well collected by the goalkeeper Lampaza.
Mogadishu captain S. Mohamed was perfectly stationed to block a through ball from Missi Semugera for Kaddu.
After 10 minutes, Kitara roving right back Henry Musisi had a cross delivery well pocketed by goalkeeper Lampaza.
Konfor executed a freekick punched away by Kitara goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige on 12 minutes.
The hosts took the lead to silence the noisy home crowd when Nabby released Ilyaas but the latter shot past goalkeeper Kibirige for the opener after 17 minutes.
Frank Tumwesigye shot directly to goalkeeper Lampaza before the Mogadishu City Council captain S. Mohamed limped out with a leg injury.
On the half hour mark, Kabon shots off target as Kitara desperately sought for a break-through.
In the 33rd minute, Kalema bought the game level with the equalizing goal.
A sublime finish that the defenders inside the goal failed to tame after the goalkeeper Lampaza had been beaten on the edge of the goal area.
Sixty seconds later, it was Kalema again with a great header after linking up with Kabon perfectly weighted ball.
Kitara had the final attempt of the when when Kabon shot narrowly wide following a pass from Tumwesigye.
Upon restart of play for the second stanza, Mogadishu City Council would be second goal was cancelled for an off-side call.
Six minutes into the second half, Pentecost curled the ball inside the goal area but it is a routine collection for Kitara goalkeeper Kibirige.
Moments later, Pentecost delivered another ball into the Kitara goal area that defender Isa Lumu headed away for safety.
Lumu had a rare adventure upfront befoe he released Kalema on the far left who shot over from 35 yards.
It was Kitara again after 57 minutes when Kabon had a rocket shot from 35 yards.
The goalkeeper Lampaza punched away the threat but Kaddu and Kalema were too late to feast on the rebound.
On the hour mark, Kalema released Living Kabon on the far left. The former’s cross found Gaddafi Wahabu who headed over with the goal at his mercy.
Kitara’s first change came after 62 minutes when Emmanuel Alex Wasswa replaced Gaddafi.
Wasswa’s impact was swift and instant. He released Kalema on the left flank who shot to win a corner kick for the Royals.
Kaddu made a 360 turn and shot off target with 10 minutes to play before he was denied by goalkeeper Lampaza in one-against-one incident.
With five minutes to play; Kitara had a double change. Chrispus Asiki replaced Kaddu and midfielder Isaac Mweru Doka came on for a largely effective Tumwesigye Zagga
Two goal hero Kalema was rested for Edson Agondeze in Kitara’s injury time change with victory in sight.
The return leg will be at the same venue (Hoima City Stadium) on Saturday, 12th September 2026.
As hundreds of spectators trekked from the Hoima City Stadium, there is a beam hope and assurance that they will return next weekend for the return leg as continental football continues to take precedence at a facility ear-marked for AFCON Pamoja 2027.
Team Line Ups:
Mogadishu City Council XI: Lampaza (G.K), Khaalid, David, S. Mohamed (Captain), Oluwaseun, Bangura, Konfor, Akram Ilyaas, Pentecost, Nabby, Marsis
Subs: Arias, Xabad, Ali Cud, Muriidi, Osman, Asagwa, Frank, Feysal, Benteke
Head coach: John Kamau
Kitara XI: Meddie Kibirige (G.K), Henry Musisi, Jasper Ahebwa (Captain), Benjamin Nyakoojo, Isa Lumu, Frank Tumwesigye, Misi Semugera, Gadafi Wahab, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Living Kabon, Jimmy Kalema
Subs: Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Samuel Kato, Bonney, Emmanuel Alex Wasswa, Amutuhaire, Chrispus Asiki, Edson Agondeze, George Senkaaba, Doka Mweru
Coaches: George Lutalo & Andy Lule
