Kalema Brace Gives Kitara FC First-Leg Advantage Over Mogadishu City

Mogadishu City FC 1-2 Kitara FC

Kitara FC came from a goal down to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mogadishu City FC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round at Hoima City Stadium.

A brilliant Jimmy Kalema brace helped the Ugandan side overturn an early deficit and take a narrow advantage into Saturday's return leg, which will also be played at Hoima City Stadium.

The home side , Mogadishu City FC, made a bright start and stunned Kitara when Akram Khamis found the back of the net in the 17th minute to hand his side an early lead.

The goal put Kitara under pressure in front of their home supporters, but the hosts responded strongly as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off in the 34th  minute when Jimmy Kalema levelled the scores, bringing Kitara back into the contest.

Kalema was not finished.

Just a minute later, the forward struck again in the 35th minute, completing a remarkable quick-fire turnaround and giving Kitara a 2-1 lead.

The two goals in quick succession completely changed the complexion of the contest, with Kitara recovering from their early setback to take control of the tie.

Despite holding a one-goal advantage after the first leg, Kitara will know that the job is far from complete.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday at the same Hoima City Stadium for the return leg, with Kitara determined to protect their advantage and secure progression to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

 Kitara FC President Deo Kasozi Akiiki(R) with Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe(Minister of STI, NRM CEC Member, Vice Chairperson Western Region at the Hoima City Stadium.

Mogadishu City FC, meanwhile, remain firmly in the contest after scoring a goal and will head into the second leg needing a strong performance to overturn the deficit.

For Kitara, the focus now immediately shifts to Saturday's decisive encounter as they seek to build on their first-leg advantage and continue their journey in continental football. 

Jimmy Kalema's match-winning brace has given the Royals a valuable platform, but they will have to remain focused and disciplined when the two sides face off again in what promises to be another keenly contested encounter at Hoima City Stadium.

Scorers:

Mogadishu City FC: Ilyaas 17'

Kitara FC: Jimmy Kalema 33', 34'

First-leg result: Mogadishu City FC 1-2 Kitara FC