Egyptian giants Al Ahly are expected in Uganda ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Kitara FC in Hoima, with both teams targeting a place in the group stage.
African football giants Al Ahly are expected to arrive in Uganda at 3am on Wednesday ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary-round encounter against Kitara FC at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, October 17.
Kitara FC chief executive officer Joshua Atugonza said the Egyptian club’s advance team arrived in Hoima on Monday to assess the road network and other logistical arrangements ahead of the team’s arrival.
Atugonza said Al Ahly had initially wanted to charter a private jet to Kabalega International Airport in Hoima but was informed that the facility was yet to receive the required certification.
With roadworks ongoing along the Kampala-Busunju route, the advance team travelled through the Masindi-Luweero route to assess whether it could accommodate the club’s journey to Hoima.
Atugonza confirmed that Al Ahly had agreed to use the Kampala-Masindi route instead of the Kampala-Busunju road, which he described as bumpy.
The team is expected to complete arrival formalities within two hours before travelling to Hoima, where it is scheduled to reach Miika Eco Resort Hotel at about 10am.
Both clubs will use Hoima City Stadium for training ahead of Saturday’s encounter. Kitara are scheduled to train in the morning, while Al Ahly will take to the pitch in the evening.
Kitara advanced to the second preliminary round after eliminating Mogadishu City in a two-legged tie, with both matches played at Hoima City Stadium.
The winner of the second preliminary-round tie will advance to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, putting the Hoima-based club within reach of a place among the competition’s main contenders.
Kitara president Deo Kasozi has repeatedly said the club’s ambition is to reach the group stage.
Club communications officer Geoffrey Tumwesige said Kitara’s players were fit and confident ahead of the encounter.
Tumwesige also pushed back against the attention surrounding Al Ahly, insisting that Kitara deserved respect after qualifying for the continental competition.
While acknowledging the Egyptian side’s reputation, he argued that Kitara should not be underestimated ahead of the tie.
The encounter will provide Kitara with an opportunity to test itself against one of Africa’s most prominent clubs as it pursues a place in the Confederation Cup group stage.