Uganda Premier League
KCCA FC vs Express FC
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Saturday, 22-02-2020 @4pm
LUGOGO – KCCA FC will be out to close in on top when they take on Express FC at Lugogo on Saturday afternoon.
The Kasasiros currently sit in second spot, five points behind Vipers SC.
After Vipers’ 1-3 loss to Express on Friday, KCCA know that a win against Express will see them move to within two points of th Venoms, increasing their chances of retaining the Uganda Premier League title.
Unlike last season, Mike Mutebi’s side have been fairly inconsistent this (season) and will be hoping they can overcome the pressure with which they take on the Red Eagles and walk away with all three points.
After playing well and getting a draw off Vipers earlier this week, KCCA will feel confident against an average Express.
The Red Eagles are enduring an indifferent season as they have failed to attain momentum that can see them escape the relegation dog fight.
Despite winning both of their last two league games, they sit just four points away from the drop zone and will know that defeat will hurt their attempts attain proper momentum.
Currently under Wasswa Bbosa, Express have looked ok, winning both of the games that the gaffer has been in charge of.
A 1-0 win away to Onduparaka was followed up with a 2-1 defeat of Tooro United FC on Tuesday maintaining Bbosa’s 100% start to life back at the Red Eagles, in the league.
What they are saying
Mike Mutebi, KCCA FC head coach
“We will take the game so serious given its magnitude and history around it.
“It is a derby and derbies are won by teams that show the biggest of character on the day.
“We need to show that we want to win so that we can keep closing the gap.”
Wasswa Bbosa, Express FC head coach
“We take on one of the big boys of Ugandan football and the defending champions.
“We may not have the same ambitions but like them, we have our own targets.
“Coming off a Cup exit is not the best scenario but we won our last game and we will be eager to make it two victories in as many games.
“With all that said, it is a huge task to go and beat them in their own back-yard but i am sure my players will give their all.”
Team News
KCCA FC will welcome back Julius Poloto, Samuel Kato, Sadat Anaku and Kizza Bukenya who are all back from injury. Gift Ali is back training and has overcome a knock he picked up in the game against Vipers on Tuesday. However, the game comes too little early for John Revita who stepped up his recovery and is now able to run. Mike Mutyaba and Muzamiru Mutyaba are likely not to feature in the game because of the setbacks they got this week. The pair lost their siblings and may be handed compassionate leaves. Magambo Peter, Musa Ramathan, Musana Hassan or Kato Samuel could start at the heart of the defense in a three-man partnership.
Express will be without midfielder Lawrence Kigonya who is serving a one-match suspension following a Red Card against Onduparaka in his last league game. The pair of Isa Lumu and Arthur Kiggundu are expected to once again feature in defence having made their debut in the 2-1 victory over Tooro United FC in the last game. Cyrus Kibande who was named man of the match in the victory over Tooro is also expected to start once again alongside Lumu in central defence.
Match facts
This will be 22nd meeting between the two sides since December 2010.
In the previous 21 match-ups, KCCA have won 10, Express 4 with the other 7 all ending in draws.
KCCA FC heads into the game having lost only one of their previous meetings with Express, winning 7 and drawing the other 3.
Last season, either side won their respective home fixtures with KCCA winning 3-1 in the reverse fixture.
Mike Mutebi’s side also won the first contest between the two sides 3-1 in Wakiso.
KCCA FC heads into the game having lost only one of their last five league games (W3 D1).
At home, the Kasasiros are yet to lose a game this season, winning 9 and drawing 2 of their 11 games.
For Express, they head into the game having won three of their last two games (D0 L2).
Away from home, the Red Eagles have won just one of their last five league fixtures (D1 L3).
The other games to be played on Saturday @4pm
-Wakiso Giants FC vs Kyetume FC
-Bright Stars FC vs Proline FC
-Onduparaka FC vs Mbarara City FC
-Tooro United FC vs Police FC
