StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Express FC vs Kirinya JSS FC
Betway Mutessa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Wednesday, 24-04-2019 @4:30pm
WANKULUKUKU – Express FC have once again endured a frustrating season as they have not come close to the top than they have to the bottom.
But unlike last season, the Red Eagles go into the last three games knowing that they will feature in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for at least another season.
By this time last year, the Wankulukuku faithful was down on the knees praying that the team is not relegated, a prayer that was answered in the last few minutes of the season.
Going into Wednesday’s game at home to Kirinya JSS, Express are 11th on 33 points, 7 away from the drop zone.
They are also in the semifinals of the Uganda cup, the only traditional giant still having a chance to winning the most prestigious competition in Uganda.
For the 28th game of the season, they head into it with several injury concerns as up to four of their key players are nursing injuries.
Tony Odur who has been in and out of the team is expected to miss out once again. Eric Kambale, Captain Isaac Mutanga and reliable defender John Revita are also major doubts for the visit of Kirinya. After a horror show in the loss to KCCA last week, goalkeeper Tony Kyamera is expected to drop back onto the bench with Matthias Muwanga retaining the starting slot in between the sticks.
For the visitors Kirinya, they have endured an ‘ok’ season as per their standards.
Currently occupying 8th, six points above the Red Eagles, the Students have had some big results in the season despite starting it slowly, resulting into a change in management as Charles Ayieko was replaced by Abby Kikomeko.
Kikomeko looks to have done his magic as the students have enjoyed a decent run of form that has seen them fend off relegation fears at some point, and are now targeting a top four spot as they sit only six points behind Tooro United who occupy 4th.
Under Kikomeko, Kirinya have defeated SC Villa, Mbarara City and Police FC, something that was unimaginable at some point in the season.
In David Bagole and youthful-Joel Madondo, Kirinya have two players that have consistently performed at the top level and helped them move up the table.
If the later can shake off a knock in time for the Express game, the Red Eagles will have plenty to think about when Kirinya comes at them on Wednesday.
Match Facts:
This will be the 6th encounter between Express and Kirinya since the Students were promoted to the top tier in 2016.
In the first five, Kirinya has won two, Express one with the other two ending in draws.
Going into the game, this fixture is yet to produce a winner at Wankulukuku with both games that were hosted by Express ending in draws. 1-1 in 2016 and 0-0 the following year.
When the two sides met earlier this season at the Mighty Arena, Kirinya defeated Express 1-0.
Going into Wednesday’s game, Express have won only one of their last six league games (D2 L3). The only victory in that period was the 2-0 home win against relegated Paidha Black Angels at the start of this month.
At home, the Red Eagles have also won only one of their last six games (D4 L1).
For Kirinya, they head into the game having won six of their last 9 League games (D0 L3).
However, away from home, the Students have been struggling lately, winning only one of their last 7 games (D1 L5).
The other games on Wednesday:
-URA FC vs Mbarara City FC
-Paidha Black Angels vs Onduparaka FC
-Bul FC vs Bright Stars FC
