Mukisa out as BUL seek to end win-less run with visit to UPDF

Uganda Premier League:

Tuesday, 24th April 2018
UPDF Vs BUL
At Bombo Military Barracks Stadium, 4:30 pm

[/media-credit] BUL Technical bench prior to the game with Vipers at Kakindu stadium. David Kiwanuka (left) is acting head coach Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

Jinja based club, BUL FC has not won a top flight tier match in their last four matches.

After losing 3-2 to Soana, they held Vipers to a goal-less stalemate at home but fell 2-1 on the road to Mbarara City at the Kakyeeka stadium before another one all draw in the firece Jinja derby at a fully packed Kakindu Stadium.

Currently in 10th position with 30 points, BUL takes on a relegation fighting side, UPDF, who are 14th with 25 points off 25 matches.

BUL’s technical bench has been in mess too, missing head coach Kefa Kisala since the Soana game and assistant coach Peter Onen.

Kisala has been under a suspension for reported indiscipline and Onen is with the Uganda U-17 national team away in Burundi for the 2018 CECAFA U-17 championship.

Good though, Kisala returned to the team’s final training on Monday at Kakindu in Jinja and expected to be around (though not on the touchline in Bombo) as he awaits a formal letter of return from his bosses.

[/media-credit] BUL XI that faced Vipers Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

Team News:

After serving his two match suspension, BUL forward Douglas Owori returned in the derby game.

Unfortunately, defender Yusuf Mukisa picked up a caution in the match against Kirinya-Jinja S.S and is suspended for the UPDF encounter.

In his absence, veteran Musa Walangalira could take up his place.

UPDF is another side that has blown hot and cold this term.

[/media-credit] UPDF players celebrate their goal against Police last month Credit: © Kawowo Sports | JOHN BATANUDDE

After the goal-less draw with Maroons, their previous two matches have been identical 2-0 losses away to KCCA at Lugogo and Express at the Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium.

Hardworking midfielder Sulaiman Majanjaalo completes a two match suspension after picking up a red card against KCCA during their 2-0 loss at Lugogo two weeks ago.

Key battles:

BUL’s Richard Wandyaka, Hamis Tibita, Pierre Kambale, Douglas Owori will be main men for David Kiwanuka’s side to look for the goals against UPDF’s defence that has Emmanuel Egau, Joseph Othieno, Johnson Lumansi, Denis Sekitoleko and goalkeeper Bashir Sekajja.

Yunus Sibira, Patrick Sembuya, Fred Agandu and Daniel Shabena shall play a pivotal role in the middle of the pack.

UPDF’s midfield, missing anchorman Majanjaalo, will assemble Allan Kizza as replacement.

[/media-credit] UPDF goalkeeper Bashir Ssekajja Credit: Courtesy

At the back Umar Mukobe will maintain his slot at right back, Hakim Magombe on the left with either Abdul Mayanja and Musa Walangira at the central defense.

It will be up to technical team at BUL to maintain goalie Geofrey Atieke or recall Paul Mujampani who conceded against Mbarara City.

BUL’s defence will face a stern test against a sharp UPDF front line that has the immensely talented Josepj Janjali, Sydney Ssenyonga and the sweet left footed Ezekiel Katende.

Maximum points for either sides will mean a great deal for their respective mission of survival in top flight football next season.

Probable Line ups:

Bul XI: Atieke Geofrey (GK), Umar Mukobe, Hakim Magombe, Abdul Mayanja, Fred Agandu, Yunus Sibira, Hamis Tibita, Daniel Shabene, Richard Wandyaka, Pierre Kambale, Douglas Owori

Substitutes: Paul Mujampani (GK), Musa Walangalira, Patrick Sembuya, James Otim Patrick Asiku

UPDF XI: Bashir Sekajja (G.K), Emmanuel Egau, Joseph Othieno, Johnson Lumansi, Denis Sekitoleko, Allan Kizza, Julius Kasambira, Joseph Janjali, Faisal Kiberu, Sydney Ssenyonga, Ezekiel Katende

Substitutes: Paul Akweny (G.K), Ronald Owiny, Abdunoor Lukwata, Joseph Yiga, Robert Nakyenalire, Mustafa Dongo, Ronald Owing

Match-Day 26 fixtures:

Tuesday 24^th April 2018:

KCCA FC Vs URA FC , Star Times Stadium-Lugogo (4:00 pm) live on Azam TV
UPDF FC Vs BUL FC , Bombo Barracks Grounds (4:30pm )
Soana FC Vs Proline FC, Kavumba Recreation Centre (4:30pm)
Vipers SC Vs Masavu FC, St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende (4:30pm)

Friday 27^th April 2018

Vipers SC Vs KCCA FC, St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende(4:00pm) live on Azam TV
Police FC Vs Onduparaka FC, M. National Stadium-Namboole(4:30pm)

Saturday 28^th April 2018:

Maroons FC Vs Express FC, Luzira Prison Grounds(4:00pm) live on Azam TV
Kirinya Jinja SSS FC Vs Bright Stars FC, Bugembe Stadium-Jinja (4:00pm )
Mbarara City FC Vs SC Villa , Kakyeka Stadium-Mbarara(4:00pm)