Can KCCA FC stun Nkana?

Mar 08, 2014

CAN George Nsimbe become the first coach to lead a Ugandan club past a Zambian team in a CAF competition? KCCA will be praying this question is answered in the affirmative

By James Bakama

CAF Champions League

KCCA v Nkana (4pm, Namboole)

CAN George Nsimbe become the first coach to lead a Ugandan club past a Zambian team in a CAF competition?

KCCA will be praying this question is answered in the affirmative when the Lugogo side hosts

Zambian giants Nkana FC in a decisive Champions League encounter today.

Zambian clubs have kicked out Ugandan sides from the continental race seven times, with the best ever performance by the latter being the away draw that Nsimbe registered last Saturday in Kitwe.

Before that Express and URA (twice) had also battled to home draws before bowing out.

There were all signs yesterday that the ever confident Nsimbe was determined to lift KCCA to a historic victory.

“I don’t know why some Ugandans have doubts. Let me assure you again that we shall get a good result,” he said.

But maybe the uncertainty is understandable. 

In the previous round KCCA, boosted by a 2-0 away win against El Merreikh, almost blew it at home, losing 2-1.

Nsimbe insists that that experience shouldn’t be a basis for judging KCCA.

“We were over confident then. It’s going to be a different story today. This is a 50-50 case and we are going for a win.”

He will however be without injure left full back Habib Kavuma.

To boost the team’s ball playing ability, injured Kavuma has been replaced by Brian Majwega. On the right,

Nsimbe has opted for experience bringing in Richard Malinga for Saka Mpiima.

With Nkana promising an attacking game just like the hosts, there are all signs of a thriller.

KCCA marksman Tony Odur will be out to keep his scoring record that has had him finding the net in all KCCA’s three matches.

The hosts have to pay special attention on Zambia league top scorer Ronald Kampamba.

He was one of the scorers in Kitwe and could form a lethal partnership with Evans Kangwa.

Kangwa got the brace that helped Zambia beat Uganda in Wednesday’s friendly.

While some reports from Zambia said Kangwa would be in Namboole today, coach Masuso Mwale insisted the striker wasn’t in his plans.

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