Kitara Die Fighting Against Al Hilal Benghazi

Friday, August 15
*Kitara 2-3 Al Hilal Benghazi (Libya)

Uganda Premier League (UPL) side Kitara lost the first preliminary round CAF Confederation Cup advantage to Al Hilal, after losing 3-2 to the Libyan side in the first leg on Friday, August 16.

Quite unfortunately for the Ugandan side, they had to host their home match far away from home – at their opponent’s own home ground – the Benina Martyrs stadium in Bengazhi, Libya.

It was the Royals’ first time ever to compete continentally, and they put up such a spirited fight, coming back to score two goals with 10 men in the second half.

Kitara conceded the first goal within the opening five minutes of the game, as Ugandan striker Muhamad Shaban headed in from a well-taken freekick.

Kitara head coach, Brian Ssenyondo made his first substitution as early as the 16th minute, as he withdrew midfielder Marvin Nyanzi for striker Brian Aheebwa.

In the 17th minute, Kitara conceded their second, courtesy of Faisal Elbadary, and the Royals went into the halftime break trailing 2-0.

At the start of the second half, Erick Muber was introduced on for Paddy Muhumuza.

Just five minutes after the restart, Kitara goalkeeper was sent off for handling the ball from outside the box, and Ssenyondo sacrificed defender Benjamin Nyakoojo to bring on another goalkeeper, Farouk Yawe.

After an hour played, Aheebwa pulled off a spectacular half volley from outside the 18-yard box to pull one back for Kitara.

Just four minutes after Aheebwa had scored to half the deficit, Al Hilal quickly got another to double their advantage, for the second time on the night, as captain Talha Rizk converted from the spot in 68th minute.

With just ten minutes left to play for on the clock, Denis Omedi scored Kitara’s second when he was put through on goal, but the Ugandan side couldn’t score any other, and it ended 3-2 in favor of Al Hilal.

Kitara will need to win at least by two goals in next Friday’s encounter at the same venue, to advance.