Ugandan representatives, KCCA FC will have to work a little bit harder in the return leg if they are to play in the group stages, after being held to a goalless draw in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifying round with Algeria’s Paradou Athletic Club.
Just like their coach Mike Mutebi had warned, KCCA FC was able to contain the counter-attacking Algerians but was however not able to do well when it came to putting the ball in the back of the net at the StarTimes Stadium on Sunday.
The home side made a number of attacks towards the enemy’s goal but were short of going through the watertight defence of the Algerians.
Mutebi’s boys were now relegated to long-range shots towards the goal but these too could not go beyond the towering Paradou goalkeeper, Toufik Moussoui who proved a hard nut to crack.
The Algerian visitors also on numerous occasions troubled the KCCA FC defence and many a time, it was goalkeeper and skipper, Charles Lukwago who saved the day for the home side to ensure the game ended in a nil all draw at Lugogo.
Speaking shortly after the game, Francisco Chalo said they played better in the first half than in the second stanza, adding that generally it was a good but difficult game for his team.
“It was the first game for my young team to play on an artificial turf but we have got an important point. We have drawn in Kampala but the game in Algiers will be another challenge,”Chalo said.
For KCCA FC gaffer, Mike Mutebi admitted that his boys played well both in the defence and the midfield but failed in the final third.
“We played well but the decision making in the final third was poor. We should have scored three goals but you know some of these boys are still young and easily forget tactics,”Mutebi said.
KCCA FC have not been a good side while playing away on the continent , especially while visiting North African clubs and will have a tall order when they visit Paradou to play their return leg game.
However, Mike Mutebi insists his team can make it through to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages despite playing away from home.
“For many, playing away means being on a disadvantage but to me, that does not work. We will have to work hard, go there and play with belief. I know my players are confident.”
