Kalema’s Brace Gives Kitara Edge Over Mogadishu City
Kitara FC came from behind to win 2-1 over Mogadishu City Council. It was in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round’s first leg on Sunday, September 6, 2026. The win gives the Royals a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.
Thousands of fans witnessed a historic night at Hoima City Stadium. Kitara began their CAF Confederation Cup journey on home soil. The stadium hosted continental club football for the first time.
starting XI for Kitara Football Club yesterday against Mogadishu City
The encounter was delayed by 40 minutes after Kitara officials failed to clear CAF bench permits in time, but once play eventually got underway, the game produced an entertaining contest.
Mogadishu City Council started brightly and threatened early, but Kitara had the first clear attacking moments through Patrick Henry Kaddu, who was fouled near the corner flag after two minutes.
The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.
Akram Ilyaas raced onto Nabby’s pass before calmly finding the back of the net past Kitara goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige to silence the home crowd.
Kitara responded strongly.
After Frank Tumwesigye had tested goalkeeper Lampaza, the Royals finally found their equaliser in the 33rd minute.
Jimmy Kalema produced a sublime finish after Lampaza had been beaten on the edge of the area, bringing Kitara level.
And before Mogadishu could recover, Kalema struck again.
Just 60 seconds later, the forward rose brilliantly to head home a perfectly weighted delivery from Living Kabon, completing a stunning two-goal turnaround and sending Kitara into the break 2-1 ahead.
Kitara miss chances to extend lead
Mogadishu City Council thought they had restored parity shortly after the restart, but their effort was ruled out for offside.
Kitara remained the more threatening side as the second half progressed.
Kabon forced Lampaza into action with a fierce 35-yard effort in the 57th minute, although Kaddu and Kalema could not capitalise on the rebound.
A minute later, Kitara came close again when Kalema released Kabon down the left, but his cross found Gaddafi Wahabu, who headed over with the goal at his mercy.
Coach then introduced Emmanuel Alex Wasswa for Gaddafi in the 62nd minute, and the substitute immediately influenced the game by releasing Kalema down the left, with the resulting effort winning Kitara a corner.
Kaddu continued to search for a third goal and came close with ten minutes remaining, only to be denied by Lampaza in a one-on-one situation.
Kitara made further late changes, with Chrispus Asiki replacing Kaddu and Isaac Mweru Doka coming on for the hardworking Tumwesigye Zagga.
Kalema, the match-winner with his first-half brace, was eventually withdrawn for Edson Agondeze in stoppage time as Kitara held on for victory.
Royals eye progress
The 2-1 victory gives Kitara a slender but important advantage going into the second leg.
The return match will again be played at Hoima City Stadium on Saturday, September 12, giving the Royals another opportunity to complete the job in front of their home supporters.
For Hoima, meanwhile, Sunday was more than just a football match.
The huge turnout and electric atmosphere underlined the growing importance of Hoima City Stadium as a continental football venue, with the facility also earmarked for AFCON Pamoja 2026 preparations.
Kitara will now look to turn their historic home debut into a memorable continental campaign by eliminating Mogadishu City Council and advancing to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
