KCCA FC reach Champions League group stages, to reap Shs 2 billion

Despite an average performance at home, Uganda Premier League defending champions KCCA FC on Saturday became the first local team to play in the group stages of Caf champions, league, and the continent’s most prestigious club tournament.

This feat means KCCA are now $550,000 (Shs2 billion) richer after qualifying for the league group stages.

Muhammad Shaban was the hero of the day as he converted a Mustapha Kiiza delivery only a minute after recess at the Star Times stadium in Lugogo to help the hosts overcome Ethiopian giants, St. George.

The Kasasiro boys will not boast so much of having dominated and played well on the day but did what was required of them and beat the team from Addis Ababa to help them qualify to the next stage of continental football.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, St. George coach, Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto said the home side didn’t play well but were lucky to come out as winners on the day.

“We created a number of chances but failed to score. We played better than them over the two legs but failed to put the ball at the back of the net,” Pinto said.

St. George's Ugandan goalkeeper Robert Odongkara said it was unfortunate that he had lost the game on home soil.

“It is a disappointment to lose on home soil. We made one mistake and as football is, we were punished.”

KCCA FC coach Mike Mutebi said the win was a turning point for the Lugogo based club, a thing he said the team will from now build on to achieve more.

“We are now among the big clubs and now have a right to rub shoulders with the best and anyone who comes our way,”Mutebi said.

The KCCA FC tactician said his team will now set the bar so high as they enter the group stages.

“We shall not go to the group as passengers but we aim at reaching the quarterfinals.”

The Kasasiro boys will have to wait for Wednesday (March 21, 2018) for the group stage draws to know their next four opponents.