Uganda Cranes forward Jude Ssemugabi will have to wait longer for his first taste of group-stage football in the CAF Champions League after his club Jamus FC bowed out in the preliminary round.
The South Sudanese outfit saw their continental hopes dashed by Al-Hilal Omdurman of Sudan, who edged the two-legged tie 1-0 on aggregate.
Jamus had held the Sudanese giants to a hard-fought goalless draw at home in the first leg.
However, Sunday’s return leg proved decisive, as Jean Girumugisha struck the winner, sending Al-Hilal through.
For Jamus, this early exit will sting deeply. The club had invested heavily in strengthening their squad ahead of the campaign, with Ssemugabi among the key signings.
The Ugandan forward was recruited with hopes that he could help push the South Sudanese side into uncharted territory, the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition.
Despite a disciplined defensive display across both matches, Jamus struggled to impose themselves in attack.
The elimination means Jamus must now redirect their focus to domestic football.
For Ssemugabi, the disappointment of an early continental exit may serve as motivation as he aims to make his mark in league and cup competitions while keeping himself in contention for regular national team call-ups.
