Uganda Premier League
Express FC vs KCCA FC
Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku
Friday, 28th April 2017 4:00pm
Defending champions and title favorites KCCA FC have had a torrid period in the previous fortnight failing to get convincing results.
The poor run has seen the city lads fail to win four games on the trot including surrendering their home unbeaten run at the hands of Vipers a thing blew the title race wide open between KCCA FC and second placed SC Villa.
Ahead of the encounter against city rivals Express FC, the realistic target for KCCA FC is to earn a positive result that will keep them within the title run.
Team manager, Mike Mutebi is quite aware of the uphill challenge that is ahead of him but has downplayed the fears of him and the players being under pressure despite the slump.
“It will not be an easy game, but I think we have the ability to go there and get a result that we need. It is true we have had a slump in the previous games but what matters at the moment is the reaction going into tomorrow’s game and that will be to try and minimise the mistakes and also try to play against a very organized side defensively, he told the club website.
“There is no pressure on us. The players know what to do because they have got the experience on the continent on how to handle game situation and I do not think the poor results have got in the previous games calls for an alarm,” added the manager.
” We never panic ourselves, we are confident because we gave the ability to retain the championship but like I said, it will not be easy since teams have improved a lot from last season,” he further stressed.
On the other hand, Express who are 4th on the log with 40 points have been in scintillating form going unbeaten in the last 7 games across all competitions and they cone into the clash in high spirits.
Team coach, Matia Lule like his compatriot Mutebi indicates, he is not under any pressure but his target is to keep improving every other game.
“We are not under any sorts of pressure and we shall treat Friday’s game like any other.
I believe it is KCCA FC that should under pressure now because they are chasing for the title,” said Lule.
Team News
Express
The Red eagles welcome back diminutive midfielder Sulaiman Jjingo and experienced forward Noah Ssemakula.
The rest of the players are okay and will be available for selection.
KCCA FC
Midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba has failed to recover in time from the shoulder injury he sustained in the game against Vipers.
Defender Timothy Awany will also miss the through suspension after accumulating cards.
KCCA FCC conformably won the first leg meeting 3-1 at Philip Omondi stadium.