KCCA FC made a statement of intent hitting Kataka FC 5-2 in a seven goal thriller in a Uganda Cup round of 16 match on Tuesday afternoon at Nabini playground in Mbale.
Brian Majwega and second half magic subsitute Derrick Nsibambi led the Kasasiro boys to the quarters, bagging a brace each for the Mike Mutebi’s coached side while home team handed the visitors an own goal to confirm the win.
The shell shocked Kataka scored their two goals through Junior Amanya and Nassur Nandala.
The home side raced to a two goal lead in the first half but a spirited KCCA would not give up to set up a thrilling finale.
Brian Majwega opened the floodgates on 22 minutes when Kataka goalie fumbled with Ivan Ntege thurderous effort on the edge of the area.
The victors should have gone 2-0 up two minutes later after a lightning counter attack but Kataka goalie pulled off the save of the match to keep out Suleiman Akinyemi’s shot.
Having been let off, the homeside equalised on the 40th minute after a comedy of errors from the KCCA defence.
Nassur Nandala gave Kataka the lead in the dying minutes of the first stanza having collected a free kick rebound from the right before jumping off his chest into the back of the net.
Whatever coach Mike Mutebi told his charges at the break had a huge effect as KCCA took to the second half like bushfire going ahead with ten minutes of the restart.
Brian Majwega levelled matters with delightful penalty after Kataka defender held the ball at the end of the area to add his tally this season.
Then second half subsitute Derrick Nsibambi gave them extra cushion with a 84th minute goal.
Game over or so it seemed but KCCA continued grafting away and substitute Nsimbabi made it 4-2 on 85 minutes with his fourth touch beating Kataka goalie with a sharp finish after a cute Majegwa pass.
But despite laying siege in the final minutes, the home team could not find the equaliser that they crabbed for and instead their defender deflected ball into his own net.
Following the win, KCCA got their morale boasted as they head to Egypt to play aganist El Masary for second leg of CAF Confederation Cup.
KCCA starting XI: Charles Lukwago, Denis Rukundo, Isaac Muleme, Denis Okot, Paul Musamali, Isaac Kirabira, Ivan Ntege (Paul Mucureezi), Sulaimon Akinyemi, Brian Majwega, Vincent Kayiizi (Derrick Nsibambi), Robert Ssentongo (Geoffrey Serunkuuma)
Used subs : Douglas Kisembo, Tom Masiko, Lawrence Bukenya