KCCA FC aim to make their away goal in the 1-2 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last Friday in the Caf Champions League count by minimizing errors, reports reports JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE.
KCCA FC manager Mike Mutebi believes that the away goal his team scored in the first leg clash with Mamelodi Sundowns last week puts them in a good position to mount a recovery in the return leg. All KCCA need is a 1-0 win and they are in the lucrative ($550,000) round- of-16 group stage.
However, Mutebi admitted that to ensure that they fulfill their dream, there can be no room for mistakes. Although KCCA could have been in a more precarious position, if the referee had not disallowed Sundowns’ would-be third goal, Mutebi insisted that the quick-fire goals they conceded were avoidable.
“We are working on the players’ psychology to ensure that they are focused,” Mutebi said.
KCCA arrived late at the Lucas Moripe stadium for the first leg, which could have affected the team’s focus. Perhaps the rage of panic they went through at the onset, conceding two goals in the first seven minutes could have been avoided.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan could have covered his near post better to stop Soumahoro Bangaly’s header, as should have Joseph Ochaya, who fouled needlessly, to cause the penalty.
One of Mutebi’s assistants Badru Kaddu said they have beenemphasizing the need for the players to believe in themselves. While Sundowns are defending champions, they have weaknesses that KCCA can capitalize on.
He added that after overcoming the pressure in the earlier round against Angola’s Agosto, who were a very technical side, the players should be able to ably match Sundowns.
“In the second half, we had a lot of the ball and pushed Sundowns back a lot, although we failed to capitalize and make them pay. So, at home, now that we know what they are made of, we can put up a top performance,” Kaddu said.
Meanwhile,KCCA chairman Julius Kabugo released the club’s crowd control plan for the game at the Phillip Omondi stadium. Kabugo said they have printed only 5,000 tickets, and the Police help ensure spectator safety is a priority.
jovi@observer.ug