Kitara FC suffer 2-1 defeat to Al Ahly in CAF Confederation Cup first leg

CAF Confederation Cup

Second Preliminary Round

First Leg
Saturday Result
Kitara 1 Al Ahly 2

Kitara FC suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, surrendering a first-half lead after the visitors made decisive changes.

Gaddafi Wahab gave the Royals a deserved lead in the 30th minute, but Omar Elsaei equalised in the 67th minute before substitue Ahmed Mostafa Mohamed Sayed converted an 82nd-minute penalty to hand Al Ahly a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo on October 25.

Al Ahly coach Hussein Ammouta made 10 changes to the starting team that defeated Zamalek in last Sunday's Cairo derby.

The visitors created their first clear opportunity in the 11th minute when Yassin Moustafa fired narrowly wide after Hussein Aly Elshahati delivered a teasing cross from the right.

Al Ahly gradually took control, with Elshahati continuing to threaten, while goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was called into action as the visitors won three corners within four minutes.

However, Kitara's defensive pairing of Murushid Juuko and Isa Lumu remained composed, while full-backs Henry Muyomba Musisi and Baguma Aheebwa contributed effectively in defence and attack.

The hosts took the lead in the 30th minute through Wahab.

Frank Tumwesigye made a good run before combining with Martin Kizza, whose dangerous cross found Wahab, who finished with his left foot past experienced goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy.

Kitara went into the break leading 1-0, with Kizza, Tumwesigye, Wahab and Jimmy Kalema providing an attacking threat.

Al Ahly emerged with greater urgency after the restart, forcing Kitara to defend deeper.

Mutakubwa denied Omar Elsaei in the 52nd minute, but the visitors eventually found a breakthrough.

Al Ahly made a triple substitution in the 64th minute, withdrawing Hussein, Mohamed Moursy and Karim Fouad for Ahmed Mostafa Mohamed Sayed, Ahmed Eraky and Soufiane Benjdida.

The changes improved the visitors' attacking play, and Elsaei capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 67th minute to level the score.

Kitara responded in the 68th minute by replacing Wahab with Emmanuel Wasswa to strengthen the midfield.

In the 76th minute, coach Wasswa Bbosa made another double substitution, bringing on Isaac Amutuhaire and Living Kabon for Martin Kizza and Patrick Kaddu as the hosts searched for a second goal.

However, Al Ahly were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute after Akram Twfik Mohamed was fouled during a scramble as Kitara attempted to clear the ball.

Aheebwa slipped on the rain-soaked pitch and brought down the Al Ahly player, prompting South African referee Eugene Mduli to point to the spot.

Ahmed Mostafa Mohamed Sayed converted in the 82nd minute to complete the comeback.

Al Ahly made their final change in the 86th minute, introducing Achraf Benharki for Taher Mohamed Ahmed.

Kitara pushed for an equaliser late on, but Juuko missed from close range in the 88th minute after connecting with Kabon's corner.

Another late free-kick delivered by Kabon failed to find a Kitara player.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Al Ahly, leaving Kitara with a difficult challenge in the return leg at Cairo International Stadium on October 25.
The Royals must overturn the deficit if they are to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.