PREVIEW: Mogadishu City vs Kitara FC
CAF Confederation Cup | 1st Preliminary Round, 1st Leg
6th September 2026
4pm
Hoima City Stadium
Mogadishu City take on Kitara FC this evening in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie, with the match being played at the Hoima City Stadium and a place in the group stage the ultimate prize on offer.
Kitara head into the tie as the away side on paper, but staging the game at their own Hoima City Stadium still gives the Royals a big lift, with their fans expected to fill the stands behind them. Kitara know this stage well, having been knocked out at the same hurdle by Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi back in 2024. That defeat stung, but it also gave the team a taste of continental football that they hope to turn into results this time round.
A lot has changed since that encounter against Al Hilal Benghazi, though the spine of the squad remains. Five players who featured in that tie are still around to lead the line again: George Senkaaba, Frank Tumwesigye, Kabon Living, Benjamin Nyakoojo and captain Jasper Aheebwa. They will be joined by Patrick Kaddu, Murushid Jjuuko, Martin Kiiza, Isa Lumu Karim Ndugwa and Jimmy Kalema, a group with enough hunger and quality to trouble any opponent.
Both teams arrive in decent shape. Mogadishu City have played three league matches so far this season, winning once and losing twice. They opened with a 4-2 win over Gantaalaha Afgooye before back to back defeats, 3-1 to Gaadiidka FC and 1-0 to Heegan.
Kitara, meanwhile, opened their StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign with a hard fought 1-1 draw away at SC Villa last Saturday at Wankulukuku Stadium, and coach George William Lutalo will want his side to carry that form into continental action.
Speaking ahead of kickoff, Lutalo said the club was happy to be playing its continental football at the Hoima City Stadium this time round, even as the away side in the tie.
“First of all, we are excited that this time we are hosting our continental matches at home at the Hoima City Stadium. This means our fans will have a great experience, while their presence will also be a huge boost for us. Additionally, we have confidence in our team, we have prepared well and promise to give our fans a good game.”
A win this evening would give Kitara real momentum heading into the return leg, also at the Hoima City Stadium, in a week’s time. The winner of the tie will progress to the second qualifying round, where they will meet Egyptian giants Al Ahly next month.
Team news:
Kitara have no fresh injury worries, with the full squad fit and available for selection against Mogadishu City.