CECAFA Kagame Cup
Express FC vs Atlabara FC
Azam Complex Chamazi, Dar-es-Saalam @4pm
Reigning Uganda Premier League champions Express FC will start their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign against South Sudanese side Atlabara FC on Monday at the Azam Complex Chamazi in Dar-es-Saalam.
Express return to the tournament after an eight-year absence and are hoping to get off to a winning start in their opening game.
Red Eagles Head Coach Wasswa Bbosa is confident that his charges are in good shape and will take care of Atlabara.
“We have been training very well since we arrived. I would say we have prepared well ahead of the game. The target is to start with a win to gain confidence going forward.” Bbosa told the club website.
Team skipper Enock Walusimbi and goalkeeper Denis Otim who have been away on national duty (CECAFA U-23 Championship) were the last players to join the camp and the former is upbeat just like everyone on the team.
“I am so happy to have joined the camp. The mood here is great, the players are fine and they know we are all here to win the trophy,” Walusimbi said.
The two teams are facing off for the very first time in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Express FC made it to the finals of the tournament twice in 1994 and 1995 while Atlabara FC’s best finish remains at the quarter finals.
For Express, Forward George Ssenkaba is finally available after a long injury layoff. Defensive midfeilder Abel Etrude is also available after shaking off a recurring knee injury.
New signings Joel Mutakubwa and Joseph Akandwanaho are in line to make their debuts.
The opening game of group A saw Young Africans SC draw with Big Bullets FC 1-1 on Sunday.
