Sunday, September 12
URA FC (Uganda) 2-1 Ethiopian Coffee (Ethiopia)
Steven Desse Mukwala scored twice as URA FC mamaged to beat Ethiopian Coffee 2-1 in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup Preliminary round on Sunday at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
William Tesfay brought one back for a brilliant Ethiopian Coffee side when his nutmeg beat Derrick Ndahiro before squeezing it past Alionzi Nafian.
After a slow start, Mukwala headed in the opener thanks to a headed assist from Viane Ssekajugo who kept Ndahiro’s cross in play in the 23rd minute.
Mukwala got his brace before the break with a beauty – He whipped in from the edge of the box to double the advantage.
URA FC, making a return on the continent, had their two coaches Sam Timbe and Simeone Masaba watch from the stands.
URA FC will need at least a draw in the return leg which will be played next Sunday
The winner over two legs will face off against Egyptian El Massry in the second preliminary round fixture for a place in the group stages.
Huge Mountain To Climb For URA FC
The Visitors were comfortable on the ball and played with a lot of comfortable right from the back as they plotted to walk the ball in the net.
Mukwala could have grabbed a hat-trick late in the game but he lacked anticipation when substitute Joachim Ojera floated in a cross.
Shafic Kagimu was outstanding before he was taken off in the second half and the Tax Collectors will feel that they could have done better and win by a bigger margin.
Patrick Mbowa had a long range effort kept out.
URA FC were made to suffer in the second half and they will know that they have a huge task in their hands when the sides meet in a week-time.
The Visitors created a couple of chances especially in the second half including one where Endale Yalew linked up brilliantly with Abubaker Nasir but the former’s effort was just wide of Alionzi Nafian’s goal frame.
Abubaker Nasir and Solomon Tefesse both came close to finding the net for the visitors who will fancy their chances in the return leg.
Players Used:
URA FC XI – Alionzi Nafian, Ashraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Najib Fesali, Hudu Mulikyi, Patrick Mbowa, Viane Ssekajugo, Shafic Kagimu, Said Kyeyune, Steven Mukwala, Cromwel Rwothomio
Substitutes – James Alitho, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Kigongo, Ibrahim Dada, Kabon Living, Joachim Ojera, Ivan Sserubiri.
Ethiopian Coffee XI – Abel Mamo Gebreyohas, Abebe Feyissa, Wondeminhe Dereji, Haile Gebretinsae Gebrekirstos, Asrat Tonjo Toylo, Solomon Shewamene Tefesse, Amanuel Yohannes Gamo (Captain), William Solomon Tesfay, Ahmed Nasir Abubeker, Yalem Debalke Endale, Mekonen Gudisa Mikeyas
Substitutes: Bereket Amare Kidanu, Abel Endale Gizaw, Meta Tediros, Redwan Ahmed, Seyoum Tesfaye Moges, Alazare Zalaka, Robel Bahta, Alemu Yeabkal, Nathnael Abreha
