In a gripping second leg of the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round, Kitara FC faced a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Al Hilal Benghazi, sealing their exit from the competition 6-4 on aggregate.
The match, held at the Benina Martyrs Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both teams’ determination and skill.
Al Hilal Benghazi struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Kitara FC to take the lead in the 41st minute. However, Kitara FC, undeterred by the setback, came out with renewed vigor in the second half.
Their persistence paid off when Titus Ssematimba expertly finished a chance in the 57th minute, leveling the score and injecting fresh hope into the Ugandan side.
Yet, the joy was short-lived as Al Hilal responded swiftly, regaining the lead just two minutes later in the 59th minute. The Libyan side continued to press and eventually extended their advantage in the 75th minute, making it 3-1 and putting Kitara FC in a challenging position.
Refusing to go down without a fight, Kitara FC pushed forward with everything they had. In the 80th minute, Denis Omedi found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and giving his team a lifeline.
The final minutes of the match were tense, with Kitara FC pressing for an equalizer, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to break down the resolute Al Hilal defense.
This narrow defeat echoed their performance in the first leg, where Kitara FC also fell 3-2 after a valiant effort. Despite their exit from the tournament, Kitara FC can hold their heads high, having shown tremendous spirit and resilience across both legs.
Their debut in the CAF Confederations Cup, though brief, has laid a strong foundation for future continental campaigns, as they continue to grow and develop as a club on the international stage.
