Uganda Premier League
Mbarara City FC vs KCCA FC
Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara
Tuesday, 26-11-2019 @4pm
KCCA FC have been hit by a mini-crisis ahead of their Uganda Premier League game away to Mbarara City FC on Tuesday afternoon.
The Kasasiros who are hoping to finish the first round on a high and possibly climb up the top of the table will be missing a host of players.
Allan Okello, Mustafa Kizza, Jackson Nunda and Nicholas Kasozi are the latest to be confirmed as out of the contest, joining the likes of Julius Poloto, Jurua Hassan, Sadam Juma, and Sadat Anaku.
According to assistant coach-Morley Byekwaso, Okello is having pain with his knee, Kasozi has fever, Mustafa and Nunda have fatigue.
Without all those players, it becomes increasingly hard for KCCA FC to continue their fine run of form that has seen them climb up the table in recent weeks.
After an indifferent start to the season, Mike Mutebi’s side have gone on a run of six victories in seven games and have subsequently climbed into 4th on the log, just eight points off the summit with three games in hand.
Victory in their last three first-round games will see them sit top at the half-way stage of the campaign.
Despite the troublesome build-up, Byekwaso claims his team is ready and want to take all three points.
“We are well prepared as we have always done, noted Byekwaso.
“We know Mbarara City is a strong team which we haven’t gotten maximum from since their top-flight promotion.”
“We are here to win so that we can narrow the gap between us and table leaders because if we lose they will use the advantage to stretch the gap.
“In every game we play our aim is to win, Mbarara need the win and we do as well.
Mbarara has been a boggy side for the Kasasiros since making their latest return to the top-flight in 2017.
All the four meetings in that period have ended in draws and by the look of things, it will take some effort for KCCA FC to get over the hurdle.
For Mbarara, they have slowly started gaining promotion after parting ways with Paul Nkata.
Ever since the gaffer was replaced with Brian Ssenyondo, the Ankole Lions have gone on a two-game winning run.
Their only concern is the form of star player Paul Mucurezi who has not been at his best for almost the entire season.
Mucurezi is a former KCCA FC player and having left the Kasasiros on a bad note, maybe that is the inspiration he needs to up his performance levels.
Mbarara start the day in 11th with 16 points and victory over the two-time defending champions will see them climb into 8th.
Match Facts
This will be the 5th meeting between the two sides since 2017.
All the past four meetings have ended in draws, three of them all finishing goalless.
Last season’s reverse fixture ended 0-0.
Mbarara comes into the game having won just two of their last 8 games (D2 L4).
At home, the Ankole Lions have won four of their first seven games of the campaign (D1 L2).
For KCCA FC, they are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run in the league, winning six and drawing just one.
Away from home, Mutebi’s side have yet to draw a game, winning three and losing the other two of the first five.
The other game on Tuesday
-URA FC vs Proline FC @4:30pm
