Express seek to overturn 3-2 defeat against KCCA | Uganda Cup

• Uganda Cup 2^ndleg
• Express FC Vs KCCA FC – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku @ 4pm
• [KCCA won first leg 3-2]

Express FC needs to overcome a deficit against KCCA at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku if they are to reach a first Uganda Cup final in 10 years.

The Red Eagles, record Cup holders with 10 triumphs haven’t played in the finals of the prestigious domestic Cup competition since they won it in 2007 but must beat KCCA at least 1-0 after losing the first leg at Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo.

Matia Lule’s charges also have odds stuck against them as they now winless in five successive games against the Lugogo based side.

The visitors come into the game full on confidence having won 1-0 on their last visit to Wankulukuku and will hope history repeats itself although a draw will also be enough to see them through.

What the coaches say

Matia Lule – Express FC

The team is set. We are ready for the game. We lost the game on Tuesday and the target now is to win with a margin that will take us to the finals.

In a game of football, a fan is player number 12^th. We plead to them (our fans) to come in big numbers, cheer us and we promise to offer our best.

Mike Mutebi – KCCA FC  

We are playing a very very organised side defensively with good players. I think of all sides in the country, they are the most organised side defensively and our work will be to try disorganize them. They are the most defensively organised in the league and they have very good players going forward

The first 15 minutes, we must be orderly but that doesn’t divorce us from the way we want to play.  We shall go there, try to attack and get a good result.

We won the league by winning 1-0 at Wankulukuku, we also won the previous title (2015/16) at Wankulukuku by drawing and I believe it will give us confidence.

Team News

Express FC are set to miss the services of right back Musa Mukasa (suspension) but Noah Ssemakula who limped off on Tuesday is available for selection.

KCCA have no injury worries although it remains to be seen if defender Timothy Awany is fit for selection after he was hauled off midway the second half on Tuesday.

Player to Watch

Simon Sserunkuma (Express FC): He has blown hot and cold this season but on a good day, not many defenders can live with him. If Express is to overturn the defeat, Sserunkuma must be pivotal.

Tom Masiko (KCCA): He is enjoying his best career form. Five goals in as many games in all competitions in succession makes him one to watch out from the Yellow lads.

Key Stats     

• KCCA are unbeaten in their last five encounters against Express and have won the previous three on the bounce.
• KCCA are seeking to reach the finals of the competition for a record three times in four seasons.
• Express hold the record for the most Uganda Cup triumphs but their last came against KCCA in 2004 (won 4-2 on penalties after drawing goalless).
• There has only been two goalless draws between the sides in the past 15 meetings – in all competitions.
• The last time Express won at home against KCCA was in the 2010/2011 campaign – 1-0 in the league.
• Express need to win at least 1-0 to progress but can still do with a 2-1 on the day.
• A draw of any kind will see KCCA progress to the finals for a record 16^th

Probable XI

Express FC: Emmanuel Opio (GK), Steven Luswata, Yayo Lutimba, Farouk Matovu, Sam Senkoomi, Mahad Kakooza, Allan Kyambadde, Noah Ssemakula, Juma Ssebaduka, Joseph Semujju and Simon Sserunkuma ©.

KCCA FC: Douglas Kisembo (GK), Denis Rukundo, Habib Kavuma, Denis Okot ©, Paul Musamali, Isaac Muleme, Isaac Kirabira, Sulaimoni Akinyemi, Tom Masiko, Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Derrick Nsibambi.