KCCA FC 3-1 AS Kigali: Aheebwa’s hat-trick not enough for spirited Kassasiro Boys
A 2-0 walkover from the first leg was enough to propel the Rwandan side into the next phase of the tournament
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) have bowed out of the Caf Confederation Cup despite a 3-1 spirited win over AS Kigali at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Wednesday.
A 2-0 walkover from the first leg ensured AS Kigali proceeded to the next round at the expense of KCCA who were the strongest side in the second leg contest.
Brian Aheebwa was perhaps the man of the match after he notched a hat-trick as he continues to establish himself as Uganda’s upcoming complete striker. Muhadjiri Hakizimana goal is all the visitors wanted to advance even though they were clearly outrun.
Aheebwa, who has scored seven Premier League goals, opened the score quite fast before even both teams had settled into the game. The December player of the month found the back of the net in the first minute and gave KCCA the needed spirit against the Rwandan side.
Joseph Bukenya, who was given his debut by coach Mike Mutebi, showed brilliance along with the right-wing and his deliveries caused trouble to the visitors who struggled to clear. He, at one clear instance, outwitted his marker in the 26th minute but his cross for a well-positioned Aheebwa was quickly cleared by Bendata Janvier.
Aheebwa, who proved to be a thorn in AS Kigali’s flesh all through, doubled Kasasiro Boys’ lead in the 36th minute. The goal brought the score at the same wavelength given the Rwandan outfit were awarded a 2-0 walkover in the first leg.
Hakizimana reduced the deficit as he pulled one for the visitors from the spot in the 50th minute.
Aheebwa, who toyed with AS Kigali’s backline on a number of occasions added the third goal for the former Ugandan champions in the 75th minute.
The Kampala side booked the AS Kigali date after Caf had given them a bye from the preliminary round. The game was their first in more than a year as they last played against AC Paradou in November 2019 in Algeria.
Mutebi’s side came into the game buoyed by a good record in the continental games since 2005. They have engaged in 24 games since then at home in both the Confederation Cup and in the Champions League and have won 15 games, lost four and six ended up producing draws.
KCCA FC XI: Charles Lukwago, Herbert Achai, Denis Iguma, Joseph Bukenya, Ashraf Mugume, Joseph Kafumbe, Keziron Kizito, Bright Anukani, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Brian Aheebwa.
AS Kigali XI: Bate Shamiru, Christian Ishimwe, Hassan Karera, Janvier Benedata, Hassan Rugirayabo, Rachid Kalisa, Tumaine Ntamuhanga, Eric Nsabimana Muhadjili Hakizimana, Shaban Hussein, Aboubakar Lawal.
