KCCA FC Head Coach Sergio Traguil was quick to concede defeat after his team failed to advance to this year’s CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Traguil was absent from the touchline during the home and away games against Libya’s Abu Salim due to documentation issues, resulting in his side losing 5-4 on aggregate.

KCCA managed to secure a 3-2 victory at Kitende in the return leg, but Traguil acknowledged that the 3-1 loss in Tunisia proved costly.

Goals from Muhammad Shaban and a brace from Arafat Usama were not sufficient for KCCA FC on Saturday.

“We played very well, the boys gave their all, and we managed to score three goals, but conceding two made the difference,” Traguil said.

“We didn’t lose the tie today; we lost the chance to qualify while away in Tunis. Here, we showed that we are a very talented team in the making.

“Credit also goes to Abu Salim, who fielded experienced players and used their experience to win this tie and advance to the group stages.”

Despite the game’s significance, KCCA handed debuts to goalkeeper Juma Mutebi and defender James Mubeezi, with the latter starting ahead of the highly regarded Filbert Obenchan.

Traguil commented, “All our players are part of the squad. We have 27 field players and three goalkeepers, and any of them can step in at any moment.

“I don’t select players solely based on their past performances; it depends on their current form and our team’s philosophy.”

Traguil further emphasized that his team has no designated number one goalkeeper.

“All our goalkeepers are considered number one, and it depends on their performance and our tactical considerations.”

KCCA FC will now shift their focus to the Uganda Premier League when they host Maroons on Tuesday, October 3rd.