KAMAPLA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Uganda Premier League champions KCCA FC have qualified for the first round of the 2018 CAF Total Champions League after stopping Madagascar's CNAPS FC 1-0 at the StarTimes Stadium in Kampala on Wednesday.

Paul Mucureezi scored the important goal after 61 minutes when he capitalized on a well taken Nustafa Kizza corner kick to head the ball past goalkeeper Andoniaina Fanomezantsoa Andriamalala.

The win was enough to see KCCA qualifier on an away goal's rule after they lost 2-1 in Madagascar two weeks ago.

After 45 minutes of first half the game ended goalless when both sides creating some scoring opportunities. It was CNAPS FC's Francis Rafaralahy whose shot after 16 minutes was punched out for a corner. Later KCCA FC's 18-year-old Allan Okello also had his shot saved after 34 minutes.

In the second half KCCA FC cheered by the home crowd pushed forward to dominate the game before they netted the goal. The Madagascar team CNAPS FC made two changes but to no avail as the KCCA FC defenders stood firm. At the stroke of full time KCCA FC were lucky when Laliana Jacquot Manamoisoa had his close header saved by goalkeeper Charles Lukwago.

"I am happy that despite injuries to some of my key players, we have managed to win and qualify for the next stage," KCCA FC coach Mutebi told Xinhua after the game.

KCCA FC who reached the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup last year will now face Ethiopia Premier League champions St. George in the first round of the Champions League. Enditem