Uganda Premier League
Proline FC vs Vipers SC
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Tuesday, 14-01-2020
LUGOGO – Vipers SC will be out to make it two victories in as many second-round games when they take on Proline FC in the Uganda Premier League on Tuesday afternoon.
The Venoms who lead the way on the standings, defeated Kyetume FC 1-0 in their opening game on Friday.
However, the result and performance were both not so convincing and Vipers will know they need to play better against a usually hard-fighting Proline FC.
As Vipers got the better of Kyetume, it was marquee signing Paul Mucureezi who netted the winning goal and the Venoms faithful will be hoping their prized asset continues in the same vain.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s game, Vipers SC head coach Edward Golola has cautioned his players not to get carried away because there is a lot of football to be played.
“We know how desperately both teams need the three points but only one can get the best from this game, said Golola as quoted by Vipers.com.
“The fixtures are as tight as you can see and we have cautioned the boys not to get so comfortable because we are not yet there.
Vipers have struggled to a certain extent in their last few visits at Lugogo and will have to be careful on Tuesday.
In their last three visits to Lugogo- both league and Uganda Cup, the Venoms have lost twice and drawn the other.
The last time the played Proline away from home, they were defeated 2-1 and eventually dumped out of the Uganda Cup.
“We beat them in the reverse fixture but they are now quite motivated and are also a good side when playing at home, continued Golola.
“It’s going to be an exciting encounter. But we are focused and are not ready to slip up.”
Vipers will have forwards Allan Kayiwa and Abraham Ndugwa back in contention after recovering from illness and injury. Midfielder Bobos Byaruhanga resumed training after shaking off a knock but will have to get clearance from the team doctor to play. Forward Umar Kyebatala is expected to get more playing time having appeared for just seven minutes on his senior debut against Kyetume. Defender Halid Lwaliwa returns from club leave where he has been attending to family obligations but goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora will miss the game as he is away in Burundi to pay the last respects to his fallen father (RIP).
Proline on the other hand must be in high spirits going into the encounter.
The Lugogo based side who spent almost the entire first round-bottom of the standings defeated Maroons FC 2-1 away from home in their opening second round fixture.
The victory saw them move onto 12 points and three more points will definitely see them climb off the foot of the table.
Ahead of the game, Proline signed veteran striker Brian Umony and they will be hoping he can team up with Hamis Diego Kizza upfront in search of goals.
Match stats
This will be the 15th meeting between the two sides since December 2010.
In th previous 14 meetings, Vipers have been dominant, winning 10 whilst losing just two and drawing as many.
However, they have won just one of their previous three games away to Lugogo (D1 L1).
Vipers beat Proline 1-0 in their first meeting this season while the reverse fixtures saw the Venoms down the Lugogo based side 3-1.
Proline comes into the game having won just one of their last four league games (D1 L2).
At home, Proline have won jusy two of their last five games, losing the other three.
For Vipers, the head ino the encounter having won six of their past seven league games (D0 L1).
Away from home, the Venoms have won four of their past seven games (D2 L1).
The other games on Tuesday
-SC Villa vs Busoga United FC @4pm
-Bright Stars FC vs KCCA FC @4:30pm
-Onduparaka FC vs Maroons FC @4:30pm
