Kitara captain Jasper Aheebwa has challenged his teammates to remain focused after their 2-1 CAF Confederation Cup victory over Mogadishu City Club.
The Royals recovered from falling behind to secure a first-leg advantage at Hoima City Stadium, where Mogadishu were officially designated as the home side.
Aheebwa believes the comeback demonstrated Kitara’s resilience, particularly after pre-match administrative issues delayed kickoff and disrupted preparations for both teams.
“It has been a good show tonight, a 2-1 comeback, and it has been good for us,” Aheebwa said.
“The resilience from the boys and hard work helped us make it, and as we prepare for the next game, we shall remain solid.”
Kitara’s preparations were complicated by the delayed kickoff as clearance issues surrounding members of their technical team were resolved before the match eventually started.
Aheebwa admitted the interruption affected the players but insisted they refused to allow circumstances outside their control to undermine their concentration.
“The game delayed, but of course it was not our fault. We came motivated and focused despite everything that happened,” he explained.
“We had to go back into the dressing room and warm up from there as they finished their issues.”
Aheebwa acknowledged that Kitara became slightly disorganised following the disruption, before recovering their composure and eventually overturning Mogadishu’s advantage.
“We got disorganised a little bit, but since we were more focused, we had to fight hard and make a comeback,” he said.
Three points despite being ‘away’
Although Kitara played at their Hoima home, they were officially the away team because Mogadishu City hosted the first leg in Uganda.
Aheebwa revealed that Kitara nevertheless approached the encounter seeking victory rather than settling for a favourable result before Saturday’s return fixture.
“On paper we were away, but the instructions were three points, and indeed we had to make it for our fans,” Aheebwa said.
The captain reserved particular praise for the supporters who turned Hoima City Stadium into a genuine home environment despite Mogadishu’s official designation.
“The atmosphere and the fans rallying behind us were a great motivation, and indeed we had to make it,” he added.
Kitara now require a draw in Saturday’s return leg to guarantee progression, although Aheebwa insists protecting their advantage cannot become their primary objective.
“Our target as a club and players is to qualify, so whether it is a win or draw, we have to make the next stage,” he said.
“We have to stay focused and work harder than we did for today’s result.”
Hoima makes the difference
The experience represents a considerable change from Kitara’s previous continental campaign, when they were forced to play their home fixture outside Uganda.
Aheebwa remembers the difficult journeys and absence of their supporters, making the opportunity to stage continental football in Bunyoro particularly significant.
“During the last campaign, we had to travel from here to Egypt and Libya, and our fans were not behind us,” he recalled.
“This time it all came to us here at home, and we had to do what it takes.”
Beyond qualification, Aheebwa believes Kitara’s continental campaign is already demonstrating how major football matches can benefit Hoima and the wider Bunyoro region.
“The fans have come in large numbers, people around town have worked, businesses have gone on smoothly, and the entire region is proud of us,” he said.
Kitara will now attempt to complete the assignment on Saturday, knowing another positive result would extend continental football’s stay in Hoima.