Jimmy Kalema enters Kitara’s Caf Confederation Cup clash against Al Ahly with three preliminary-round goals and a tougher challenge ahead.
The forward was central to Kitara’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Somalia’s Mogadishu City, scoring in both matches at Hoima City Stadium.
His contribution helped secure Saturday’s meeting with the Egyptian giants, who received a bye from the first preliminary round.
Three goals, two victories
Kalema delivered his first decisive intervention after Mogadishu City took the lead through Akram Ilyaas in the opening leg.
He capitalised on a goalkeeping error to equalise before heading home Living Kabon’s delivery to complete a 2-1 comeback victory.
The forward scored again in the return leg, following up his saved effort to put Kitara ahead in the 29th minute.
Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye completed the 2-0 win, volleying home after captain Jasper Aheebwa headed the ball into his path.
Kalema accounted for three of Kitara’s four goals across the tie, establishing himself as a key attacking threat in their continental campaign.
Al Ahly, however, will demand greater precision against opponents whose experience includes 12 Caf Champions League titles and a Confederation Cup crown.
Kitara coach Wasswa Bbosa has emphasised the importance of converting opportunities rather than relying on the volume of chances created.
“We must defend well, avoid conceding and take the chances we create,” Bbosa said.
“When you play against big teams like Al Ahly, games are often decided by small moments.”
That warning gives Kalema’s role particular significance as Kitara seek an advantage before the October 24 return leg in Cairo.
His preliminary-round performances showed his ability to capitalise on errors, attack deliveries and follow up saves.
Those qualities could prove valuable against Al Ahly.
Saturday’s first leg kicks off at 4pm at Hoima City Stadium, where Kitara will need their leading continental scorer to make limited openings count.