FUFA Uganda Cup 2018/19-First Leg
Bright Stars vs Express FC
Champion Stadium, Mwerere
Sunday, 28-04-2019 @4pm
MWERERE – Express FC will be hoping for early advantage when they take on Bright Stars in first leg of the 2018/19 Uganda Cup semi finals at the Champions Stadium in Mwerere.
The Red Eagles who are without a major trophy since winning the Uganda Premier League in 2012, are the only side still in the competition, that have ever won it.
Despite their last triumph coming in 2007, the Red Eagles are the joint record winners of the Cup, winning it 10 times (level with KCCA FC).
Going into the contest on Sunday, Express will know that they are favourites for the competition and anything short of winning it, will not be welcome at Wankulukuku.
For Bright Stars, they go into it knowing that this is their best chance at winning a first ever major crown in the club’s brief history.
They have been a mid table time all their stay in the top flight with a handful of exceptional players.
Them being one of two top flight teams still in the competition, Fred Kajoba’s side will be fancying their chances.
What they are saying ahead of the game
George Ssemwogerere, Expresa FC head coach
“We are favourites because we have played this tournament over the years. In fact, we are the record winners. For all the clubs remaining in this competition, Express has the best advantage to win it. The mere fact that we kick off away from home is another advantage to us because we are confident of finishing the job at home in Wankulukuku.”
Paul Kiwanuka, Bright Stars assistant coach
“Bright Stars has collectively played the previous matches in the Uganda Cup with determination. We are not scared of anyone and shall approach the match with aggressiveness because we are aware of what is at stake.”
Team News
Express are expected to still be without Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye who went AWOL and is believed to have returned to Kitende. The Red Eagles will also be without the trio of Eric Kambale, Tony Odur and Isaac Mutanga who are still nursing injuries. The trio also missed the last league game in the 2-1 win over Kirinya JSS.
For Bright Stars, they have only one major injury concern as Brian Enzema is struggling with a knock. Aside from Enzema, Kajoba and his technical team will have a full strength squad to choose from on Sunday.
How the two teams got here
Bright Stars eliminated Kazo Exom, Bumate, URA FC and Nebbi Central.
Express eliminated Paidha Black Angels, Water FC, Police and Bul.
Match Facts
This will be the 12th meeting between the two sides since November 2013.
In the first 11, Bright Stars have won only two, Express 3 with the other 6 all ending in draws.
This will be the second of four meeting between the two sides this season. The first meeting of the season ended in a 1-1 draw back in November.
These two sides will again meet twice next week, starting with the league game on Wednesday and then the cup second leg.
Going into the game on Sunday, Bright Stars have lost only one of their last 6 games in all competitions (W4 D1).
At home, Kajoba’s side have not lost any of their last 9 fixtures (W3 D6).
For Express, they go into the game having won three of theor last 7 games in all competitions (D2 L2).
Away from home, the Red Eagles have won only two of their last 7 games, losing the other five including all the last 3 on the trot.
The other semi final game
Monday, 29-04-2019 @4pm
-Proline FC vs Kyetume FC @StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.
