Saturday 16th April 2022
KCCA FC vs VIPERS SC
MTN – Omondi Stadium, Lugogo 4Pm
Team News
KCCA welcome back midfielder Usama Arafati having missed the previous two league games.
Midfielder Gift Ali is still out for long having suffered a knock on his knee in the league game against Express FC.
Patrick Kaddu and Julius Poloto started light training this week and the two might be available for selection.
Left back Juma Ibrahim and Bukenya Joseph returned to full team training this week after missing out in the previous three games due to back and knee injuries respectively.
Yongerster Dominic Ayella is out due to school commitments while Emmanuel Wasswa, Wasswa Geofrey and Brian Kayanja are still long term absentees.
For the Visitors Vipers, they welcome back Yunus Sentamu and Siraje Sentamu who had picked light injuries in their previous game against URA.
Goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora is ruled out having suffered a head injury in their previous game against the Tax Collectors.
Young goalkeeper Jack Komakech was recalled from Vipers feeder team St. Mary’s Kitende and will be expected to deputise Dennis Kiggundu.
Right back Paul Willa and Umar Kyebatala are still out.
Probable Lineups
Kcca -Benjamin Ochan, Innocent Wafula, John Revita, Denis Iguma, Herbert Achai, Ashraf Mugume, Rogers Mato, Arafat Usama, Davis Kasirye, Sadat Anaku, Charles Lwanga.
Vipers – Kiggundu Dennis, Hilary Mukundane, Dissan Galiwango, Halid Lwaliwa, Livingstone Mulondo, Siraje Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Bright Anukani, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Ceaser Manzoki
Preview: Can KCCA Stop run-away leaders Vipers at Lugogo?
KCCA FC will be targeting maximum points to close the gap with leaders Vipers as the two country’s top clubs clash at Lugogo on Saturday.
The Kasasiro Boys are seated second with 46 points after 23 games, nine below the Venoms.
They come into this one, off a goalless draw against Arua Hill, one that denied them a chance to reduce the gap against Vipers.
Playing at home once again, pressure is now on KCCA to react against a Vipers side that are nine points clear.
Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Morley Byekwaso anticipates a tough contest but is hopeful they will use home advantage to get the job done.
“It will definitely be a tough game. We know we have the home advantage and we have to use it. They are coming to our home and we need to make it very difficult for them here. We were close in the first leg and they snatched a point at the end of the game but that is in the past.
“They are table leaders and have a nine point gap, we know if we are to cut their lead then we have to win against them.”
With just seven games to go, KCCA must react well if they are to win any silverware this season, starting with Saturdays game.
Meanwhile, the Visitors will be targeting more points to widen their gap between them and KCCA.
The Venoms, who are on top with 55 points are now nine points above second placed KCCA.
They come into this one a more motivated side, having picked a deserved 3-0 away win over URA FC, another title chaser.
Back on the road, they face another title contender in KCCA FC, who are mathematically still in the title race with a few games to go.
Speaking ahead of the game, Vipers captain Halid Lwaliwa understands the task at hand and he says they will fight for the three points.
“What motivates us is hardwork just as you saw in our previous game against URA. Same applies to the Kcca game, we are going to fight hard to win this one as well, he told the club’s media on Friday.”
Last season at the same venue, Vipers picked a 2-1 win courtsey of Yunus Sentamu and Milton Karisa strikes.
And with seven games to go, any positive result at lugogo will be an advantage to the Venoms as they keep eyes on the big prize.
The reverse fixture ended in a 2-all draw at Kitende. Bobosi Byaruhanga scored late in the game as vipers picked a point at home.
Stats
KCCA FC are second on the table with 46 points after 23 games.
They have won once and picked four draws in their last five league games.
Vipers are currently on top with 55 points after 23 games.
They have won all their last five league outings.
Head to head
2021/22
KCCA Vs Vipers ….?
Vipers 2-2 KCCA
2020/21
Kcca 1-2 Vipers
Vipers 1-0 Kcca
2019/20
Vipers 0-0 Kcca
Kcca 1-0 Vipers
2018/19
Kcca 1-1 Vipers
Vipers 1:1 kcca
17/18
Vipers 3-2 Kcca
Kcca 3-1 Vipers
16/17
Kcca 1-2 Vipers
Vipers 2-1 Kcca
15/16
Kcca 0-0 Vipers
Vipers 2-2 Kcca
14/15
Kcca 0-2 Vipers
Vipers 2-2 Kcca
13/15
Kcva 2-1 Vipers
Vipers 2-1 Kcca
12/13
Kcca 1-0 Vipets
Vipers 2-1 Kcca
11/12
Vipers 2-1 Kcca
Kcca 0-1 Vipers
