Saturday, September 6
•BUL FC 0-0 Future (Egypt)
BUL FC’s chances of advancing to the next round were left hanging after a goalless draw with Future in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
The Ugandan representatives who won Uganda Cup to reach this stage, had a shaky start on their Continental debut.
But they improved in the second half, created good chances before spoils were shared at the final whistle.
Ibrahim Kazindula had the best chance of the game but fired wide of the goal frame when he was unmarked, Ibrahim Mugulusi twice came close while Future goalkeeper made some wonderful saves to keep the tie in balance.
Future were in cruise control in the opening exchanges but failed to benefit from early BUL blemishes to get an away goal.
And the tie remains for the taking ahead of the return leg next Saturday in Cairo.
Uphill Task Await BUL In Return Leg
Coming into Saturday’s tie, BUL needed a win to have a chance of progressing to the next stage.
Ugandan Clubs have struggled to pick results away against Arab clubs and BUL need to be at their absolute best to progress.
Future, also debutants on the Continent, showed early signs of intent and attacked with quality while being organised at the back.
Their only blemish was that fight between goalkeeper Mahmoud Ahmed and his teammate Ahmed Elsayed at fulltime, a battle that had brewed earlier into the game.
Their coach played down that in the post match press conference, and called it ‘just an argument’ which happens between players.
Elsayed was a menace to BUL defenders throughout, and saw his close range finish cleared off the line by substitute Martin Aprem after a well started freekick.
Future striker Mohamed Ahmed Atef got the best chances; his acrobatic kick was easily saved by Keni who also parried away his volley after a decent delivery into the area.
Atef also ran behind the defence when Douglas Muganga mis-timed a clearance, went free on goal before going for power and his effort kissed the crossbar before going out.
Coach Alex Isabirye said in the Press Conference that he will go all out to attack Future FC in the return leg.
But they will have to be more clinical after failing to turn half chances into goals especially in the closing stages.
They had many occassions of bother at the back; Richard Ayiko and Emmanuel Obua were turned in and out on many occassions and the same can be said of the other defenders including captain Douglas Muganga.
And they are likely to miss George Kasonko once again, with Isabirye saying that he had issues with his documents.
BUL FC Starting XI – Saidi Keni, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Kazindula, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Pascal Ngoobi, Karim Ndugwa, Hillary Onek, Peter Oketch
Substitutes – Emma Kalyowa, Frank Kalanda, Jeromy Kirya, Tom Ikara, Reagan Kalyowa, Martin Aprem, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Benon Tahomera, Anthony Mayanja
