Kitara FC beat Mogadishu City Council 2-1 in Hoima to take a first-leg advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
Kitara FC have made an encouraging start to their 2026/27 continental campaign after recovering from an early deficit to defeat Mogadishu City Council 2-1 at Hoima City Stadium on Sunday, September 6.
The result was particularly significant because it marked the first time continental club football was staged at Hoima City Stadium. Thousands of supporters turned up for the historic occasion as Kitara overcame a difficult start to claim an important first-leg advantage.
According to Kawowo Sports, Mogadishu City took the lead before Kitara striker Jimmy Kalema scored twice in quick succession to completely change the contest.
Mogadishu City Strike First
The match was delayed by 40 minutes after Kitara officials had not cleared CAF bench permits on time, but once play eventually began, the Ugandan side looked eager to make an impression.
Kitara created early opportunities through Patrick Henry Kaddu and Henry Musisi, while goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige was also called upon to deal with an early Mogadishu threat.
The visitors eventually broke the deadlock after 17 minutes.
Nabby released Akram Ilyaas, who finished beyond Kibirige to give Mogadishu City a 1-0 lead.
The goal temporarily silenced the home crowd and forced Kitara to increase their attacking pressure.
Jimmy Kalema Turns the Game Around
Kitara’s response was swift.
With the home side searching for an equaliser, Jimmy Kalema stepped forward with two goals within approximately two minutes.
The first came in the 33rd minute, when Kalema produced a composed finish after the Mogadishu goalkeeper had been beaten.
Just a minute later, Kalema completed his brace with a header following a well-weighted delivery from Living Kabon.
The two goals transformed the game and gave Kitara a 2-1 advantage before half-time.
Kabon almost added another before the interval, but his attempt went narrowly wide. Kawowo’s match report records the dramatic turnaround and Kalema’s decisive contribution.
Kitara Hold Firm After the Break
Mogadishu City returned from half-time looking for an equaliser and briefly appeared to have restored parity, but their second goal was ruled out for offside.
Kitara subsequently had to remain organised as the Somali side continued searching for openings.
Defender Isa Lumu played an important role in dealing with dangerous deliveries into the Kitara penalty area, while goalkeeper Kibirige provided further security.
Kitara made late substitutions as they sought to protect their advantage, with Chrispus Asiki replacing Kaddu and Isaac Mweru Doka coming on for Tumwesigye Zagga.
Kalema, the match-winner, was eventually replaced by Edson Agondeze during injury time as Kitara closed out the victory.
A Historic Night for Hoima
Beyond the result, the fixture represented an important moment for football in Hoima and the wider Bunyoro region.
Hoima City Stadium hosted continental club football for the first time, bringing a major CAF competition to a venue that is also part of Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The occasion attracted thousands of supporters and demonstrated the growing appetite for high-level football outside Kampala.
The stadium’s hosting of the match also provides valuable experience in areas such as crowd management, security, stadium operations and matchday organisation.
Pan-Africa Football previously reported that the stadium had been approved to accommodate up to 17,000 supporters for the two Kitara-Mogadishu City fixtures.
Kitara Given Advantage Ahead of Return Leg
Kitara’s 2-1 victory gives them a narrow advantage heading into the return encounter.
Interestingly, the second leg will also be played at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, September 12.
This unusual arrangement means Kitara will not have to travel away from home for the second fixture. The decision to stage both matches in Hoima provides the Ugandan side with familiar surroundings and another opportunity to benefit from local support.
However, the one-goal advantage means the tie remains open.
Kitara cannot afford to become complacent, particularly after Mogadishu City demonstrated during the first leg that they can create dangerous opportunities.
The return match will therefore require concentration, defensive discipline and another strong performance from the Ugandan side.
Kalema Emerges as Kitara’s Hero
Jimmy Kalema was undoubtedly the standout performer for Kitara.
His two goals came at a crucial moment after the hosts had fallen behind, allowing the Royals to turn a difficult opening into a winning position.
His brace also underlined the importance of taking chances during continental football, where opportunities can sometimes be limited.
While Kitara’s victory was a collective effort, Kalema’s quick-fire goals provided the decisive difference between the two sides.
What the Result Means for Ugandan Football
Kitara’s result adds to a weekend of encouraging performances by Uganda’s representatives in CAF interclub competitions.
As reported by Chimp Reports, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang congratulated both Kitara and Vipers SC following their opening-leg performances.
Vipers began their CAF Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw against FC Nouadhibou, while Kitara secured the 2-1 victory over Mogadishu City in the Confederation Cup.
The performances give Ugandan football supporters more reason to follow the country’s clubs on the continental stage.
For Kitara, the immediate priority is completing the job against Mogadishu City and progressing to the next stage.
The Bigger Picture for Hoima
The match was about more than Kitara’s result.
It was also an important test of Hoima City Stadium’s ability to host major international football.
The facility is expected to play a role in Uganda’s preparations for AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
A successful continental matchday in Hoima provides useful experience for the city, stadium officials, organisers and supporters.
The return fixture on September 12 will provide another opportunity to demonstrate that Hoima can become an important football destination in Uganda.
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Conclusion
Kitara FC have taken an important step towards advancing in the CAF Confederation Cup after beating Mogadishu City Council 2-1 in a memorable night at Hoima City Stadium.
After falling behind through Akram Ilyaas, Jimmy Kalema’s two goals in quick succession turned the match around and gave the Ugandan side a narrow first-leg advantage.
The result also created a landmark moment for Hoima, which hosted continental club football for the first time.
With the return leg scheduled for the same stadium on September 12, Kitara have home conditions on their side once again. However, the tie remains undecided, and the Royals will need another disciplined performance if they are to continue their continental journey.
For Kitara, the message is clear: the first battle has been won, but qualification is still to be secured.
