Overview:
The game is a renewal of acquaintances for many including NEC coach Badru Kaddu who ditched the Red Eagles midway last season as well as Basangwa, Hakim Wandera, Muhamad Ssenoga ‘Kagawa’ and Daniel Shabene among others who all previously represented the seven-time champions.
Thursday October 7, 2026
- MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 7pm
Despite a high-flying start to the season, Express head coach Morley Byekwaso doesn’t believe that NEC are invincible ahead of the two teams’ clash at the MTN Omondi stadium under floodlights on Wednesday.
NEC is one of the four unbeaten sides in the division so far, dropping only two points in four matches and are slight favourites against the Red Eagles who have been beaten twice in four matches.
Byekwaso says his lads have had good preparations for the game and are ready to end the Bugolobi based side unbeaten run.
“We are as prepared as usual and the boys are ready to go. I think we shall see a good game because our team has been improving game by game and we expect the same,” said Byekwaso.
“I think their consistency doesn’t mean they can’t lose. In football, you can have good moments in the season but if we did our best, I think we turn the results. Our boys are so determined and eager to get good result and I believe we shall a see good game and a good result for us.”
Express have had to negotiate a tough fixture so far are on four points in 8th position while NEC, who will move top with victory are on 10 points.
Nicholas Jjonga returns to the visitors’ squad after he suffered a knock during the break but left back Shafik Batambuze is ruled out with an injury.
NEC on the other hand have not reported any injuries with Richard Basangwa and goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo boosting the side from the national team.
The game is a renewal of acquaintances for many including NEC coach Badru Kaddu who ditched the Red Eagles midway last season as well as Basangwa, Hakim Wandera, Muhamad Ssenoga ‘Kagawa’ and Daniel Shabene among others who all previously represented the seven-time champions.
Key Stat: Express hold edge in the last six meetings with two wins [L1, D3] with last season’s two clashes ending in goalless stalemates.
In the other game on the day, reigning champions Vipers travel to Hoima to face Blacks Powers at the Hoima City stadium.
Summary of match day five fixtures and results
Wednesday Results
- Kataka 1-1 SC Villa – BCS Complex, Bukedea
- Kitara 1-0 Kigezi Home Boyz – Hoima City stadium
- Maroons 3-0 Lugazi – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku
- Ntugasaze 1-0 Mbarara City – Police Arena, Kira Road
Thursday October 8, 2026
- Blacks Power vs Vipers SC – Hoima City stadium 4pm
- NEC vs Express – MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo 7pm
Friday October 9, 2026
- Entebbe UPPC vs Police – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 5pm
- URA vs KCCA – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 8pm
Sunday October 11, 2026
- UPDF vs BUL – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 4pm
