Jimmy Kalema scored a quick brace as Kitara FC came from behind to beat Mogadishu City 2-1 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round on Sunday at Hoima City Stadium.
Mogadishu City, hosting the game in Hoima due to the absence of an approved stadium in Somalia, took the lead through Akram Ilyaas.
Ilyaas was picked out by Abdulkadir Osman Mohamed after a well-worked move before cutting into the box and firing past Kitara goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige.
Kitara responded strongly, with Kalema restoring parity in the 33rd minute. The forward was played through on goal and, after his initial effort was saved, reacted quickest to the loose ball and squeezed it between the defender and the post.
Kalema completed his brace just a minute later, timing his run perfectly to head home from close range following a well-weighted cross from Kabon Living.
Mogadishu City thought they had levelled just a minute into the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Kitara then survived a couple of scares as Gaddafi Wahab headed wide with the goal at his mercy after being picked out by Living, while Patrick Kaddu missed a one-on-one opportunity in the 85th minute.
The result gives Kitara a narrow advantage heading into the return leg, which will also be played at Hoima City Stadium next week.
The winner over the two legs will advance to face Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
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