KCCA co-coach Jackson Magera praised his players’ mental fortitude and tactical execution after his side fought back from a goal down to defeat a relegation-threatened UPDF 2-1 at Bombo Barracks Grounds.
The dramatic late victory did more than just secure three points for KCCA, it actively spoiled the party for their bitter rivals, Vipers SC, forcing them to wait to crown themselves Uganda Premier League champions.
Vipers now require three points from their final two games to seal the title.
For Magera, the victory was a testament to the grit required to overcome a team fighting for survival.
“The game was not easy. It needed special energy, quality and desire to see that we get maximum points,” Magera emphasized in his post-match remarks.
“We were playing against a side that was playing for its life but also in front of the home crowd. It’s a blessing that the boys played well to see that we clinch late.”
While the starting eleven weathered the initial storm, Magera highlighted that the game was ultimately won from the dugout.
Continuous communication between the coaching staff and the players ensured that those introduced in the second half knew exactly how to exploit UPDF’s weaknesses.
“We kept communicating even when we were on the bench, which is why the substitutes made a huge impact,” Magera explained.
“We clearly knew how this team sets up and so that was the plan we had and the substitutes did the needful for us to win the game.”
Thanks to the tactical foresight of Magera and the technical team, KCCA’s substitutes delivered the ultimate blow, extending the title race and proving that KCCA will fight until the very last whistle of the season.
