Kitara director fires warning to Al Ahly ahead of Confederation Cup clash

Ugandan side Kitara are confident of causing a major upset against Egyptian giants Al Ahly when the two teams meet in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Kitara executive director Joshua Atugonza believes his side are fully prepared to face the record African champions and insists they will not be intimidated by Al Ahly’s reputation.

The Ugandan club will host Al Ahly in the first leg on October 17 at Hoima Stadium, having advanced from the opening preliminary round after overcoming Mogadishu City of Somalia.

Atugonza says Kitara’s progress represents a significant achievement for the club, particularly after winning the 50th edition of the Uganda Cup and earning the right to represent Uganda in continental competition.

“Our greatest achievement was winning the 50th edition of the Uganda Cup and representing the country in the Confederation Cup. The conditions were not ideal then due to the infrastructure, but the story is different this time,” Atugonza told Ugandan network NBS.

He also praised the improvements to football infrastructure in Uganda, saying the ability to play continental matches closer to the club’s headquarters has provided Kitara with an important boost.

“We are proud, and we thank even the government that has at least managed to work on developing the infrastructure, to return to playing matches in our stadiums,” he added.

Atugonza believes playing at home has already contributed to Kitara’s improved performances in the competition and could prove crucial against Al Ahly.

“Now, matches are being held just two kilometers away from the club’s headquarters, and this is a very big achievement, and perhaps it is one of the reasons that made us play better against Mogadishu City of Somalia, in the first preliminary round of the Confederation Cup,” he said.

With Al Ahly now standing between Kitara and a place in the group stage, Atugonza acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but insisted his team are ready.

“Now, we are heading into the second stage of the Confederation Cup qualifiers, where we face the team that is said to be the most successful. I would like to say and emphasize that we are ready for them,” he stated.

The Kitara official then delivered a bold message to the Egyptian giants, insisting that his players will approach the tie without fear.

“Football is a game played between 11 players against 11 players, and I assure you that we are ready to face and defeat him, even if you bring Barcelona, we will be ready,” Atugonza declared.

The return leg is scheduled for October 25 at Cairo Stadium, with the winner over the two legs advancing to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.