Thursday March 3rd, 2022
Express Vs KCCA FC – Muteesa II stadium Wankulukuku
Mbarara City Vs URA FC- Kakyeka Stadium
Sc Villa Vs Busoga United – Njeru
TEAM NEWS.
Express welcome back Captain Enock Walusimbi who has been with the Fundi team in Spain.
Left back Arthur Kiggundu is also back to full fitness and is available for selection.
Midfielder Ivan Mayanja will misses out after failing to recover from a cut on this heel while Striker Erick Kambale returns having missed a couple of recent games.
For the Visitors, they welcome back Dennis Iguma who returned from injury and is available for selection.
Forwards Sadat Anaku and Kaddu Patrick have returned from injury and they travelled with the team to Wankulukuku.
Midfielder Ashraf Mugume is a doubt for this game having picked up a knock in the previous game against Bright Stars FC at Lugogo.
Yasser Mugerwa and Brian Majwega are ruled out of the derby due to illness and suspension respectively while Youngster Dominic Ayella is away due to school commitments.
Defender Peter Magambo has stepped up his rehabilitation and is expected to return to fill training this month.
Wasswa Emmanuel, Geofrey Wasswa and Kayanja Brian remain long term absentees. The said players underwent surgery and are undergoing rehabilitation.
Probable Lineups
Express FC – Joel Mutakubwa GK, , Deus Bukenya, Murshid Juuko, Enock Walusimbi, Arthur Boca Kiggundu, Abel Etrude, Nicholas Kasozi, Charles Musiige, Eric Kambale, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Joseph Akandwanaho
KCCA FC – Benjamin Ochan GK, Filbert Obenchan, Denis Iguma, John Revita, Hassan Jurua, Herbert Achai, Gift Ali, Usama Arafat, Mato Rogers, Sadat Anaku, Davis Kasirye
Preview: Can KCCA pass Express test at Wankulukuku?
KCCA FC willl make a short trip to Wankulukuku as they face Express on Thursday in what is termed as the famous Kampala derby.
The game is another test for Morley Byekwaso’ men who bowed out of the Uganda Cup last week following a 1-0 defeat to Bright Stars at Lugogo. The defeat as well ended their hopes of winning a double this season.
Sitted in the second place with 39 points, KCCA now shift their focus on the Uganda Premier league title as the only option for silverware this season.
However, after Vipers winning their game against Bright Stars on Wednesday to stretch their lead at the top, pressure is on KCCA on how they will react.
Ahead of the game, Byekwaso says they need to play with confidence if they are to get any positve result at Wankulukuku.
“We need to go there and play with confidence and show we want it more than them. That is how you win such games. We have prepared every player to be ready for the task at hand. We need to have the mental toughness and focus on the game, he told the club’s media on Wednesday.
Byekwaso’s major worry will be the inability of his forwards to convert the few available chances and they must be at best if they are to pick something from Wankulukuku.
Meanwhile, the hosts Express, under interim coach James Odoch will be targeting a return to winning ways when they host the Kasasiro Boys.
In his first game as interim Coach, Odoch who replaced Wasswa Bbosa had a false start following a 1-0 defeat to Busoga United in a game held at Kakindu last month.
Back at home in front of the fans, there will be no room for error as they will have all eyes on maximum points.
Ever since the loss to Busoga United on 18th February, the Red Eagles have been out of action and Odoch says they have used this time to have adequate preparations for the KCCA game.
“ We have used this period to correct our mistakes which we had in our last game away against Busoga United FC. KCCA FC are comfortable on the ball so we’ve worked more on the pressing because KCCA FC are good with the ball so i believe we’re ready to get maximum points, Odoch told Express media.
Express will be boosted by the return of Captain Enock Walusimbi and sharpshooter Eric Kambale, who have been away for a while and they will be called upon to lift their side on return.
Sitted in the sixth place with 29 points, Express, who are defending must start winning games in a bid to close the gap at the top.
In the reverse fixrure held in december last year, the two sides shared spoils as the game ended goalless at Mtn Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
Match Stats
Express are currently sitted in the 6th position with 29 points after 18 games played.
They have only managed one win in their last five League outings (W1, D3, L1)
KCCA are currently sitted in the second place with 39 points collected from 18 games so in the Season.
They have picked 2 wins and drawn two in their last League games.
Previous League Meetings
2021/22
Express Vs KCCA…..?
KCCA 0-0 Express
2020/21
KCCA Vs Express (not played due to Covid-19)
Express 1-1 KCCA
2019/20
KCCA 1-1 Express
Express 1-3 KCCA
2018/19
KCCA 3-1 Express
Express 3-2 KCCA
2017/18
Express 1-2 KCCA
KCCA 1-0 Express
2016/17
Express 0-1 KCCA
KCCA 3-1 Express
2015/16
Express 1-1 KCCA
KCCA 1-1 Express
2014/15
KCCA 0-3 Express
Express 0-0 Express
2013/14
KCCA 2-3 Express
Express 1-1 KCCA
2012/13
KCCA 5-0 Express
Express 1-1 KCCA
