KCCA coach Mubiru on why he substituted Shaban at halftime, reacts to Joao Gabriel's brilliance

KCCA forward Muhammad Shaban was chasing a hattrick when head coach Abdallah Mubiru substituted him at halftime against NEC FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Wednesday.

The guests would go on to win 3-0, with midfielder Ashraf Mugume adding his name to the scoresheet.

In his post-match press conference, a far from joyful Mubiru provided insight into the withdrawal of his in-form talisman.

"He was kicked on the head and he couldn't play," the tactician quickly responded.

At the stroke of halftime, Shaban and NEC defender Geriga Atendele were involved in a scuffle which saw the former knock his head on goalkeeper Sam Kiirya's boot.

Atendele's actions attracted a booking, and was later in the second half sent for another bookable offence.

Meanwhile, Mubiru, who wasn't in jubilant mood, reserved a bit of praise for playmaker Joao Gabriel Estevez Cardoso, who put up a Man of the Match show, as he assited two goals on the night.

"It's good for him, good for the team. We're still looking forward to his best performance."

"It is a good confidence booster, the boys are happy. When we win the boys are always in good mood."

KCCA take on URA FC and Vipers SC in the Uganda Cup and UPL, respectively in their subsequent matches.