Friday, February 18
•UPDF FC Vs Vipers SC – Bombo, 2pm (TV)
•Busoga United Vs Express – Kakindu, 4pm
Team News
- UPDF FC will be without defender Jacob Okao who is ineligible to face his parent club
- The Army side are set to welcome back Bernard Muwanga and Denis Ssekitoleko from injuries whe Simon Mbazira remains a doubt
- For Vipers, Midfielder Siraje Sentamu is ruled out after picking his third yellow card of the season
- Bright Anukani is out after he was stretchered against Arua Hill, Aziz Kayondo returned to the club after a proposed move abroad, Ibrahim Orit trained with the team, Bobosi Byaruhanga is still injured while the club confirmed that new defender Bob Oluoch was cleared to play
Probable Lineups
UPDF FC – Yusuf Wasswa, James Begisa, Okello Donato, Bernard Muwanga, Samson Kasozi, Andrew Kawooya, Denis Ssekitoleko, Ibrahim Wammanah, Frank Yiga, Ezekiel Katende, Ivan Ahimbisibwe
Vipers SC – Fabien Mutombora, Paul Willa, Dissan Galiwango, Livingston Mulondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Karim Watambala, Najib Yiga, Frank Zaga Tumwesigye, Yunus Sentamu, Cesar Manzoki, Milton Karisa
Preview: We Expect a Tough Game – Vipers‘ Cardoso
Vipers assistant coach Marcelo Cardoso anticipates a tougher outing when they take on hosts UPDF FC in a league game at Bombo Barracks ground.
The Venoms, leading the log with 39 points (3 above KCCA), will be hoping for maximum points as they seek to stretch their lead atop.
“The players have prepared very well in the last couple of days and we are trying to give them our strategy for this match,” Vipers assistant coach Marcelo Cardoso stated.
“It’s a special time because we are leading the table, the opponents will be at home, we expect a lot of difficulties.
“The signs the players are giving are very good. We want to go there, do our best and get the three points.”
After stumbling in their two opening games in 2022 that saw them lose to Arua Hill and draw 1-1 with BUL, Vipers have won three straight to take command on the table.
And there is no room for error when they visit Bombo in an early kickoff encounter.
Vipers have only dropped four points on the road this season, a draw at Wankulukuku (Express) and a loss at Barifa against Arua Hill.
But they will banking on their quality in depth especially at the front line that has Cesar Manzoki (11) and Yunus Sentamu (10) who have scored 21 of the team’s 40 goals so far this season.
They find UPDF FC in a worrying state after the Army side have drawn three games in a row.
Pressure is on coach Brian Ssenyondo who has seen his side go eight games without a win, and he will be tasking his players to fight for each possession and leave everything on the pitch when the leaders visit.
Only Police has left Bombo with maximum points this season so far.
The reverse fixture between Vipers and UPDF saw the Venoms run riot, winning 7-2 at Kitende – Manzoki had brace while Milton Karisa, Bright Anukani, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Emma Munoobi (penalty) had a goal each.
Head to Head
2021/22
*Vipers 7-2 UPDF
2020/21
*UPDF 0-3 Vipers
*Vipers 1-0 UPDF
2017/18
*Vipers 4-1 UPDF
*UPDF 1-1 Vipers
