Kitara FC captain Jasper Ayibe warns Al Ahly ahead of CAF Confederation Cup showdown

Kitara captain Jasper Ayibe has declared his side ready to challenge Egyptian giants Al Ahly as the Ugandan outfit prepares to host the record African champions in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup Round of 32 tie on Saturday.

Ayibe insists his teammates are determined to take advantage of home support and secure a positive result that will strengthen their chances of progressing to the next round ahead of the return fixture in Egypt.

The Ugandan side will welcome Al Ahly to Hoima City Stadium at 4:00 p.m. local time, with the hosts hoping to make the most of their home advantage against one of the continent’s most decorated clubs.

Kitara booked their place in the Round of 32 after overcoming Somalia’s Mogadishu City Council 4-1 on aggregate, demonstrating their ability to compete over two legs in the preliminary rounds.

However, the upcoming encounter presents a significantly different challenge, with Al Ahly bringing extensive continental experience and a strong pedigree in African football.

Despite the stature of their opponents, Ayibe believes Kitara should approach the contest with confidence and determination rather than allow the reputation of the Egyptian giants to intimidate them.

According to Ugandan media outlet Kick Off, the Kitara skipper stressed that the players understand the importance of the tie and are determined to fight across both legs to secure qualification for the group stage.

He emphasised that respecting Al Ahly does not mean being afraid of them, insisting that his teammates are prepared to compete and give themselves a genuine chance of progressing.

The captain also highlighted the importance of securing a strong result in front of their supporters, with Kitara hoping to build an advantage before travelling to Egypt for the return encounter.

With Al Ahly having arrived in Uganda on Wednesday, the visitors have been preparing in Hoima for what promises to be a demanding away fixture. Kitara, meanwhile, will be counting on their familiarity with their home surroundings and the energy of their supporters to help them rise to the occasion.

The hosts are aware that a positive first-leg result could prove crucial, particularly given the difficulty of facing Al Ahly on their own ground in the return fixture.

Kitara goalkeeper Mede Kibreig has also called on supporters to turn out in large numbers and create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.

Kibreig expressed his readiness to contribute to the team’s cause, adding that he would be determined to keep a clean sheet if selected for the encounter.

A shutout would give Kitara a valuable foundation heading into the second leg, although the goalkeeper and his teammates will need to remain disciplined against Al Ahly’s attacking threat.

Midfielder Ema Wassua echoed the captain’s ambitions, stressing that the immediate objective is to secure a convincing victory at home and put the Ugandan side in a stronger position before the return match.

The second leg is scheduled to take place in Egypt on October 25, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next stage of the competition.

For Kitara, the encounter represents an opportunity to make a statement on the continental stage. Ayibe and his teammates will hope their confidence, preparation and home support can help them produce a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive against one of Africa’s most formidable opponents.