'Homeless' Ugandans Kitara suffer second loss in Libya

Kitara of Uganda failed to overcome the handicap of having to play both legs of a CAF Confederation Cup qualifier in Libya as they lost 3-2 to Al Hilal Benghazi on Friday.

The east African outfit lost the first leg last weekend by the same score and were eliminated 6-4 on aggregate from the African equivalent of the Uefa Europa League.

There are two international standard stadiums in Uganda, but neither was available for Kitara, who then chose to play the first leg in Libya rather than at a neutral venue.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime in the second leg, Kitara revived hopes of winning the return match when Titus Ssematimba equalised on 50 minutes to leave the visitors one goal behind overall.

But two goals from Hemeya Tanjy dashed the hopes of the Ugandans, who completed the scoring through Denis Omedi 10 minutes from time in eastern Libya.

Hilal, who reached the group stage last season, will face Al Masry of Egypt in the final qualifying round during September. Masry were among 12 clubs to receive first round byes.

The other contenders from Libya, Al Ahly Tripoli, also advanced after a 3-1 home win over Uhamiaji of Zanzibar completed a 5-1 victory on aggregate.

Ahly now face another east African club, Simba of Tanzania, next month and will be underdogs against opponents considered one of the favourites to win the competition.

Rukinzo of Burundi beat Horseed of Somalia 2-0 to win by the same score on aggregate and Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso advanced on away goals after a 0-0 draw with Hafia of Guinea.