El Merreikh vow to stop KCCA in Namboole

KAMPALA - Sudanese giants El Merreikh have promised to turn the tables when they face KCCA FC in the return leg of the CAF Champions League Preliminary match to be played at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday. Head Coach Michael Kruger told Superesport.com on Thursday morning that they are not in Uganda for a holiday, but to get a result that will get them to the next stage. “We played well in Khartoum, but were caught on counter attacks,” explained Kruger. The home side carries a 2-0 advantage as any draw or a loss by 1-0 would see them qualify for the next stage. The Sudanese giants will rely on stars like Ahmed El Basha, Ramathan Alagab and Ragel Abdalla who scored in their 4-0 League victory over Al Ahli Khartoum on Tuesday. Kruger, who has won two Africa Cup winners Cups with two Egyptian teams Arab Contractors and El Masry before, said he is aware it will be a tough game. “If KCCA FC could win in Khartoum, we can also win here,” he added. But the home side who are expected to rely a lot on the home support have also set a mission to get early goals. “Scoring an early goal against El Merreikh will kill them off and it’s what we shall go for,” said KCCA FC Coach George Nsimbe. Interestingly Nsimbe was in-charge of the same team in 2009 when the Sudan giants beat them 1-0 in Kampala, before the two sides settled for a 1-all draw in Khartoum. Herman Wasswa, top scorer in the Ugandan League last season and Tony Odur, who bagged the goals in the first leg, will be out to justify that it was no fluke in Khartoum last weekend. Nsimbe will also welcome back attacking midfielder Steven Bengo who missed the first leg with a muscle strain. “We shall approach the game like it’s a final because we know what to expect,” said goalkeeper Salim Jamal. If KCCA FC eliminates El Merreikh they will face the winner between Zambia’s Nkana Red Devils and Mbabane Swallows.