Kitara FC, the Ugandan football club, faces an unexpected challenge as they prepare for the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup 2024-2025. The club will not be able to host their home matches at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole due to ongoing construction work. Consequently, the team will play their first leg against Al Hilal Benghazi in Libya.
The Ugandan Cup winners had initially proposed the Nelson Mandela Stadium as the venue for their matches.
However, the stadium is currently undergoing renovations to lay an athletics track, making it unavailable for the scheduled match dates.
This situation has forced Kitara FC to seek an alternative venue for their home game.
In an official statement, the club announced, “The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Kitara Football Club will host the first leg of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against Al Hilal Benghazi in Libya.”
The match is set to take place on Friday, August 16, at the Benina – Martyrs Stadium, an artificial turf pitch. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Ugandan time, or 5 p.m. GMT.
Kitara FC had hoped to host the match within Uganda but was left with no choice due to unforeseen circumstances.
The club’s statement further clarified, “Kitara had initially hoped to host the match in the country but unforeseen circumstances made this decision impossible.
The return leg will be played at the same venue a week later.”
The only other stadium in Uganda approved by CAF for intercontinental club matches is St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
However, this venue is also unavailable as it has been booked for other events on the required date.
This information was confirmed by a letter circulating on social media.
This situation presents a significant logistical and competitive challenge for Kitara FC.
Playing a home match in a foreign country deprives the team of the home advantage, including familiar surroundings and support from local fans.
The decision to move the match to Libya underscores the complexities and unpredictability clubs often face in international competitions.
Despite these challenges, Kitara FC remains focused on their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
The team will need to adapt quickly to the new environment in Libya and prepare to face Al Hilal Benghazi under unfamiliar conditions.
This preliminary round is crucial for Kitara FC as they aim to advance in the prestigious continental tournament.
The Ugandan club’s journey to the CAF Confederation Cup is marked by determination and resilience.
They will have to demonstrate these qualities once again as they navigate the obstacles presented by the venue changes.
The match against Al Hilal Benghazi will test Kitara FC’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
As the team prepares for their match in Libya, they carry the hopes and support of their fans back home in Uganda.
The outcome of this preliminary round will be keenly watched by supporters who hope to see their team succeed on the continental stage.
