Kitara president says Al Ahly are no longer as strong ahead of Confederation Cup tie

Dio Kasuzi, president of Ugandan club Kitara, believes Al Ahly are not the force they once were as the two sides prepare to meet in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Kitara will host the first leg in Uganda on 17 October before travelling to Egypt for the return match on 25 October.

“An important match awaits us because Al Ahly are a historic team, so it is good to face a club of their stature,” Kasuzi told On Sport. “The most important thing for us is to start the tie at home in Uganda.”

Kasuzi said the match would be played at Hoima City Stadium, which he described as ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for next year.

“The stadium we will use for the match against Al Ahly is designated to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year,” he said. “We have a ready stadium and there is no reason for us to play elsewhere. As long as it is approved by CAF, we will play at Hoima City Stadium.”

The Kitara president said he had been following Al Ahly’s performances and results, but suggested their participation in the Confederation Cup reflected a decline from their previous level.

“I am trying to follow what Al Ahly are producing and look at their level and results,” Kasuzi said. “I believe they are a good team, but they are not as strong as they were in the past.

“The Confederation Cup is the second level after the Champions League, so Al Ahly’s presence in it means they did not produce the level required to participate in the Champions League.”

However, Kasuzi acknowledged the Egyptian club’s financial strength and infrastructure, while insisting Kitara would not approach the tie believing defeat was inevitable.

“Despite that, Al Ahly remain a strong team,” he added. “They are a club with financial stability and good resources and facilities, but all of that does not mean we will lose to them.”

Kitara reached the second preliminary round after beating Somalia’s Mogadishu City 4-1 in the second leg of their first-round tie. They had won the opening match 2-1.

The Ugandan side qualified for the Confederation Cup as holders of the Uganda Cup, while Al Ahly finished third in the Egyptian league.

Al Ahly are joined in the Confederation Cup by fellow Egyptian club ZED. Zamalek and Pyramids will represent Egypt in the CAF Champions League.