By James Robert Kayindi
In a closely contested encounter on Saturday at the Madela National Stadium, Namboole, pedestrian striker Herman Wasswa scored the only of the game as Uganda’s representatives in this year’s CAF champions’ league, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) edged Cameroon’s Cosmos De Bafia in their first leg clash of the competition.
Both sides missed a couple of chances with both goalkeepers being forced into saves on several occasions but all efforts were fruitless as the first-half ended 0-0.
In the second-half, the visitors were reduced down to ten men in the 57th minute of the game when striker Nai Patrick received matching orders on the second booking from center referee Eric Gasinzigwa. Despite having been reduced down to 10 men, the visitors weren’t any easier to tame.
KCCA head coach Abdallah Mubiru made his first tactical change when he introduced attacking midfielder Paul Mucureezi for the anchor-man Hakim Senkumba.
Herman Wasswa broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when he struck into the back of the net off Mucureezi’s header. The game ended 1-0 in favour of the Uganda Premier League defending champions who now await for a return leg in Yaoundé, Cameroon that will be played in a fortnight and the victor after both legs will face Orlando Pirates in the next round of the competition.
KCCA starting XI: Yasin Mugabi (GK), Sakka Mpiima, Simon Namwanja, Ayub Kizza, Ronnie Kisekka, Hakim Senkumba (Paul Mucwerezi),Ivan Ntege, Tom Masiko, William Wadri (Habibu Kavuma), Owen Kasule (Derrick Nsibambi) and Herman Wasswa.
Unused Subs: Benjamin Ochan, Isaac Ntege, Rogers Lukwiya, Awanyi Timothy
Cosmos De Bafia starting XI: Mengue Tsogo, Abouem Maya, Ebanda Mvondo, Lebengo Pascal, Tela Saah Gilbert, Ekemba Cyrille ,Forsah Sixtus, Kofana Joel (Peguy Ekoatsio),Mbassi Jean Jacques ( Kack Appolinaire), NtjakaGuy Marcel, Nai Patrick
Unused Subs: Edimo Pehn Roberts, Ngaleba Ndongo Marc, Emah Atcham Boris, NlendEmmanuel Raison, Bagnack Leopold Bertrand
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com