Uganda Premier League
Mbarara City FC vs Express FC
Luzira Prisons Stadium, Luzira
Tuesday, 10-09-2019 @4pm
Express FC have had a near to disastrous start to the 2019/20 Uganda Premier League season.
Currently, the Red Eagles sit third from bottom having managed just a single point from their first three games.
After losing 1-0 at Bul, they drew 1-1 at home to Bright Stars and then went down 2-0 against Onduparaka FC.
The loss to Onduparaka at Wankulukuku last Saturday outlined how poor the side has been lately and calls for head coach George Ssemwogerere to be fired could be heard after the game.
Simulala, like he is commonly known in the football circles is partly responsible for the sort of start Express have had to endure. The former Red Eagles captain ensured a massive exodus during the offseason as he let go of up to 20 players and signed others that he claims will see the team through the next few years.
However, looking at the crop that currently dons the Express jersey, Simulala might have to first worry about beating the drop this season before looking at the coming years.
On Tuesday afternoon, Express will take on a Mbarara City side that will also be looking for points.
After beating Proline 3-0 on opening day, the Ankole Lions have witnessed a drop in form as they have gone on not to win any of their last two games.
A 3-1 loss to SC Villa was followed by a disappointing 0-0 draw at Police FC in a game that they will feel they should have won.
Interim head coach Brian Ssenyondo is also in the hot seat and will be hoping he can ease the tension with three points off a wobbly Express side.
What they are saying ahead of the game
Brian Ssenyondo
“We are coming into the game off a draw and loss in our last two games and we know we have to win again to bring back the confidence in the side.
“Express is a traditional giant but we will go into the game eyeing victory because they have also not been in the best of form.
George Ssemwogerere
“We have had a terrible start to the season and we are hoping to put that behind us.
“I currently have a young squad and i know it will take time for them to finally perform to expectation.
“I am not under pressure currently but i want to win the game on Tuesday to try and build confidence.
Team news
Mbarara City have no major injury issues and will look to Paul Mucureezi, Ibrahim Orit, Brian Ahebwa and Jude Ssemugabi for inspiration against a porous looking Express FC side.
For the Red Eagles, they will be without right-back Emmanuel Baffoe who got injured in the loss to Onduparaka FC. With Tony Kyamera now fully fit, Josua Adea who started in goal in the last two games is expected to only find a spot on the bench.
Match Facts
This will be the 5th meeting between the two sides ever since Mbarara made their latest return to the top flight in 2017.
In the previous four meetings, the Ankole Lions have won two, lost one and drew the other.
Since making that return in 2017, Mbarara has defeated Express in all two of their home games including 3-1 in the reverse fixture last season.
Last season, Mbarara took four points off Express.
Mbarara heads into the game having won only two of their last 11 league games (D5 L4).
However, at home, they have lost only one of their last 16, winning 11 and drawing the other four.
For Express FC, they enter the clash on the back of two victories in their last 8 games (D3 L3).
Away from home, the Red Eagles have won just 2 of their last 13 league fixtures (D3 L8).
The other games on Tuesday @4:30pm
-SC Villa vs Police FC
-Tooro United vs Maroons FC
