Saturday, August 24*CBE Vs SC Villa – 3pm
SC Villa faces a daunting task as they head into the return leg of their CAF Champions League first-round qualifier against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on Saturday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The Jogoos, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Namboole in the first leg, are determined to overturn the deficit and keep their continental hopes alive.
In the first leg, Elvis Ngonde netted Villa’s lone goal in a match played in front of a sparse crowd.
The low turnout was attributed to steep entrance fees and uncertainty surrounding the game.
And that stripped Villa off the needed home advantage as they lacked a 12th player (fans) to steer the side through.
Throughout, SC Villa struggled to assert their dominance and now find themselves needing at least a 2-0 victory in Addis Ababa to secure a spot in the next round.
Head coach Morley Byekwaso is fully aware of the challenge ahead. “This journey means a lot to the team,” he said. “We have to fight and put up a better show that erases the result from the first leg. It will not be an easy job; we have to play better, attack in numbers, and remain cautious not to cheaply give away possession. We must stay alert throughout because one goal from them could stall our chances.”
Villa will be without Charles Lwanga, who was sent off in the first leg. Additionally, Diego Hamis Ssemugera remains sidelined, while Denis Omony Kaka and Joseph Ssenyonga, who were part of the match-day squad last Saturday, did not travel with the team.
On a positive note, Reagan Mpande returns to the squad, adding some much-needed depth.
CBE’s Simon Peter Oketch, a former BUL forward who scored the opener in the first leg, will once again be a key threat to Villa’s defense.
