Kitara will be desperate to take first leg advantage when they host African giants Al Ahly of Egypt in the first leg second preliminary round at Hoima City stadium on Saturday.

The Ugandan flag bearers eliminated Mogadishu City of Somalia 4-1 while the Egyptian side got a bye to this stage.

This will be arguably the biggest game in Kitara’s history as they face a 119-year Cairo based club that are record Caf Champions League winners.

Despite the difference in stature, Kitara coach Wasswa Bbosa believes his boys can make history by stunning ‘the club of the century’.

“We respect our opponents. They are an organized side that knows how to handle such tests, but we are playing at home,” said Bbosa. “The boys are well motivated and we believe they will get a positive result that pushes us to the next stage,” he added.

“We have prepared very well for this game. The squad is in great shape, and we have a good balance of experience that is ready to go toe to toe with our opponents. Our fans should expect an entertaining match at Hoima City Stadium.”

Bbosa has a fully fit squad to choose from which is not the case for Al Ahly’s Hussein Amouta who has many players missing especially in the defensive areas.

Amr El-Gazar and Moroccan left-back Youssef Belammari sidelined long term while Yasser Ibrahim has also yet to recover from a thigh injury sustained before the international break.

That leaves Hady Reyad, Yassin Marie and Moroccan defender Achraf Dari as the club’s only fit central defenders.

It is in attack that Amouta has several options with Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki and forward Soufiane Benjdida as well as Mounsef Bakrar all available.

Key Stat:

Al Ahly have failed to win any of their last visits to Uganda – drawing 1-1 with Nile in 1981 and then goalless with SC Villa 2005 as well as lost 2-0 to KCCA in 2018.

Kitara Probable XI: Kibirige (GK), Namaasa, Aheebwa ©, Lumu, Jjuuko, Misi, Zaga, Wahab, Kaddu, Kalema, Kabon.