Express FC’s continental return after 26 years came to an end after a 1-0 loss to Sudanese outfit Al Merrikh on Sunday evening at the Shikan Castle stadium in Obeid with the home side advancing on away goals rule after the tie ended 2-2 on Aggregate.

Ahmed Hamid Al Tash got the all important away goal with 16 minutes left to end the match.

The Red Eagles played safe for the better part of the first half with Al Merrikh doing most of the attack but were undone with an early injury to winger Godfrey Lwesibawa on 35 minutes who was replaced by Charles Musiige.

After the break Al Merrikh went all out in search for that away goal but were contained. Forward George Senkaaba who came on for Muzamiru Mutyaba had a clear chance to open the scoring in the 59th minute but his effort went wide while on the opposite end of the pitch, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was called into action and he delivered with good saves.

The moment of truth came in the 74th minute when Merrikh broke clear on the right flank with Ahmed Hamid Al Tash finding space to slot home and send the capacity crowd inside the Shikan Castle stadium into raptures.

The loss ends the Red Eagles’ unbeaten run which had stretched to 26 games across all competitions.

REACTIONS.

Wasswa Bbosa – Head Coach.

“We’re out of the CAF Champions League but I think the boys have done well, they’ve given their all under the circumstances because there was alot of disorganisation, the game was moved (from Friday to Sunday), the officiating was also lacking today but on our side this won’t kill our motivation, we’re going back to concentrate on the Uganda Cup and the league, most of our players were playing for the first time on the continent but our fans shouldn’t lose hope, we shall bounce back better”.

Walusimbi Enock – Captain/ Defender.

“We bow out at the first round stage, Al Merrikh used their chance because we lost concentration in the closing stages and they scored but that said, the boys gave their all, we shall learn from this loss and bounce back better”.

Express FC are set to return on Tuesday and prepare for their Uganda Cup semi final game against BUL FC on Thursday 23rd September.

Express Starting XI: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Enock Walusimbi (C), Arthur Kigundu,  Issa Lumu (Joseph Akandwanaho 76′),  Murushid Juuko,  John Byamukama,  Mahad Yaya Kakooza,  Muzamiru Mutyaba (George Senkaaba 57′), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Charles Musiige 35′), Erick Kambale, Martin Kizza.

Unused Substitutes: Denis Otim,  Denis Mubuya,  Ivan Mayanja,  Daniel Shabene,  Abel Eturude.