Hamuza Lutalo was pleased to see KCCA Women FC return to winning ways but believes his side must improve after nearly throwing away a three-goal lead against Jinja United WFC.
KCCA beat Jinja United 3-2 at Phillip Omondi Stadium on Thursday, ending a run of two consecutive goalless draws against Makerere University and St Noa Girls.
However, despite scoring three times in the first half, the Kampala Queens struggled after the break, allowing the visitors to score twice and turn what looked like a comfortable victory into a tense finish.
“I feel great that we have won the first game at home. I think we have a few days to go. I think we have made many mistakes in the game,” Lutalo said.
“We scored three goals in the first half. Then we came back and conceded two goals. I think there is a problem there. We have to go back and fix that.”
KCCA started brightly and needed just five minutes to take the lead through Joanita Ainembabazi. Kamiyati Naigaga doubled the advantage two minutes later as the hosts took early control against the newly promoted side.
Ainembabazi, however, was forced off with an injury in the 34th minute and was replaced by Loyce Komugisha, who scored at the stroke of half-time to give KCCA a commanding 3-0 lead.
The game changed after the break as Jinja United came out fighting. Sharon Kaudha pulled one back before Shakira Kasango scored again, leaving KCCA with a narrow advantage to protect.
The hosts held on for all three points, but their second-half struggles left Lutalo looking for answers.
The coach also acknowledged that managing players returning from national team duty had presented a challenge.
Joanita Ainembabazi, Kamiyati Naigaga, Peace Muduwa and Jamila Nabulime were among the KCCA players who had been away on national team duty during the previous international window.
Lutalo said some of the returning players were tired and needed rest, making it important for the technical team to manage their workload while keeping the team competitive.
“Some players came from the national team. They were very tired. They wanted to rest because they knew that the game was tight,” he said.
“We have brought in the team and played very well. I think we shall work on that. I think we can balance it.”
For KCCA, the victory was important after two frustrating draws, but the manner in which they allowed Jinja United back into the contest showed there is still work to do.
The three goals were a welcome boost for their attack, with Ainembabazi, Naigaga and Komugisha all getting on the scoresheet. However, Lutalo will want his players to show greater control after taking the lead.
The result lifted KCCA Women to the top of the standings on eight points.
They will next visit Lady Doves at the Katusabe Dove Playground on Saturday, October 31, hoping to build on the win and carry their attacking form into the next fixture while tightening up at the back.