Friday, December 16.
*Maroons Vs Express – Luzira (2pm)
*KCCA Vs Busoga United – Lugogo
*Blacks Power Vs Onduparaka – Lira
Team News.
- Maroons welcome back captain David Ndihabwe, Patrick Bayiga is on yellow cards Suspension while Norman Odipio, Noel Nasasira and Umar Kyetabala are still battling injuries.
- They are again boosted by the return of Solomon Walusimbi, Sula Mpanga, Jacob Okao, Cephas Kambugu and Abraham Tusibira from injuries
- Express will miss Joseph Akandwanaho and Faruku Katongole due to illness.
- Goalkeeper Denis Otim and defender Andrew Kaggwa are suspended having accumulated three yellow cards.
Probable Lineups.
*Maroons- Simon Tamale, Belmos Opio David Ndihabwe, Caesar Olega, Godwin Kitagenda, Edward Kabona, Ronald Orombi, Isaac Mpagi, Solomon Walusimbi, Fred Amaku, Samson Kigozi.
Express – Abdul Kimera, Isa Lumu, Arthur Kiggundu, Derrick Ngoobi, Denis Otim, Muhamed Ssenoga, Daniel Shabene, Shafic Ssebyala, Hassan Mubiru, Anwar Ntege, Allan Kayiwa
Preview: Express Seek return To Winning Ways
Express will be looking forward to snap a five matches winless streak when they visit Maroons in UPL at Luzira.
They last won by forfeiture, against Busoga United a month ago, which marked their only second away victory of the season.
They have since lost to Bright Stars, Wakiso Giants, KCCA and Arua Hill, where they have conceded nine and scored only twice.
It is the results above which have placed them 9th on the log with only 15 points from many game.
However, they are visiting Luzira at the back of a goaless draw against holders and second placed Vipers , and it’s a result which head coach James Odoch looking forward to building on, going foward.
“We are not in a good situation due to poor results recently but a point against Vipers motivated the team,” Odoch said.
“I know how stubborn Maroons is especially when playing from home, we shall find the game a bit difficult but we have as well prepared very well and we hope to defend well and score goals to win the game.”
On another good note, Express is yet to lose a game against Maroons since 2011, when they lost 2-0, making the only loss in 12 meetings.
Last time they visited Luzira was March 5th, 2020 and Express won 1-0 through Frank Kalanda’s 64th minute strike.
The hosts on the other hand will be looking forward to building on their four points collected in their last two games.
After going five matches without a win, Maroons bounced back with 1-0 win over Gaddafi eight days ago before a two all draw against Onduparaka in Arua last Sunday.
They are 10th on the log with 14 points and a win can see them leapfrog Express.
They have lost just once at Luzira so far, which was a 3-1 against fellow new entrants Blacks Power and with the return of their most key players, defensive midfielder Ronald Orombi believes that they can eventually get a win against a team which has given them hard time for so long.
“We are ready everyone is in fine form, we are boosted by our previous 2 games a win on Gaddafi and a draw away to Onduparaka,” Orombi said.
“We hope to build on that and we believe we can make it given the fact that we are home, also the return of some of our key players from injury is another key factor to our morale and expect the best from us.
“We know they have always been giving us a run for our money but this time we believe our coaches have prepared us well and the players attitude is all high, we surely will win this one.”
Previous Meetings
2019/20
*Maroons 0-1 Express
*Express 2-0 Maroons
2018/19
*Express 1-1 Maroons
*Maroons 1-1 Express
2017/18
*Maroons 1-1 Express
*Express 2-0 Maroons
2015/16
*Maroons 1-2 Express
*Express 3-2 Maroons
2011/12
*Express 3-2 Maroons
*Maroons 2-0 Express
2010/11
*Maroons 0-0 Express
*Express 2-0 Maroons
