SC Villa’s much-anticipated return to the continent after 20 years ended in frustration as the Ugandan champions were eliminated in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League by Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).
The aggregate score of 3-2 in favour of CBE sealed Villa’s early exit after a 1-1 draw in the return leg at Abebe Bikila Stadium on Saturday.
Having suffered a 2-1 defeat at home in the first leg at Namboole, SC Villa entered the second leg needing a victory to stay alive in the competition.
The Jogoos, however, found themselves on the back foot when CBE full-back Suleiman Hamid broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, placing the Ugandan side in a perilous position.
Despite the setback, SC Villa fought back with determination.
Their efforts paid off in the 78th minute when Patrick Jonah Kakande coolly converted a penalty, sending the CBE goalkeeper the wrong way to level the match at 1-1.
The equaliser briefly reignited hope among Villa players, but the crucial second goal that could have extended their campaign proved elusive.
CBE’s defence held firm and the Ethiopian champions managed to maintain their advantage until the final whistle, securing their passage to the next round.
SC Villa’s campaign was ultimately undone by their inability to capitalise on home advantage in the first leg.
The 2-1 defeat at Namboole in front of a handful of fans proved costly, leaving them with a mountain to climb in Addis Ababa.
Meanwhile, CBE now advance to the second preliminary round, where they will face Tanzania’s Young Africans, who secured their place by defeating Burundi’s Vital’o.
Photos by SC Villa
