Uganda Premier League 2020-21 (Match Day 18)
Saturday, 17th April 2021:
- Express Vs Mbarara City , Betway Muteesa II Stadium-Wankulukuku (3:00pm) – Live on Sanyuka TV
There are 16 points that separate the third placed Express from 11th on the log Mbarara City.
These two clubs face off on match day 18 of the 2020-21 Uganda Premier League at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The corresponding fixture in the first round played at the Kakyeka Stadium ended all square, one goal per side.
Match day 18 comes with different approaches and strategies bearing in mind what is at stake for the two clubs as we approach to the final bend of the season.
First things first; Express is currently third with 36 points, 6 shy of the two leading clubs; Vipers and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Therefore, the Red Eagles will show all the urge to fight for maximum points and reduce the points’ gap.
Mbarara City on the other hand has collected just 20 points from 17 matches and they are no far off the relegation red-line.
Maximum points or at worst a point will be good enough in their desperate quest to avoid the relegation docket.
Talking points:
Express’ immediate game was the non-scoring draw away to rivals SC Villa at Bombo last week.
The result meant that head coach Richard Wasswa Bbosa and technical team have to pester the players to score, more so, before the home fans.
Charles Livingstone Mbabazi’s Mbarara City showed true character, scoring at the death of the the game during their 2-1 home win over visiting Malaba Youth Development Association (MYDA) at Kakyeka.
Solomon Okwalinga and Raymond Derrick Onyai were on target for the Ankole Lions as Mark Bassi has scored the equalizer on the half hour mark.
Key players:
Express will look to the likes of Eric Kenzo Kambale, Frank Kalanda, Martin Kizza Lubwama, Godfrey Lwesibawa for the much needed inspiration in front of goal.
Mahad Yaya Kakooza, captain Enock Walusimbi, Denis Mubuya and goalkeeper Denis Otim are other equally important players for the Red Eagles.
Experienced defender Murushid Juuko will once again watch from the stands as he completes the suspension emanating from the red card against URA.
Midfielder Abel Eturude has an injured ankle and will therefore be not available for selection.
Arthur Kiggundu and George Ssenkabba are steadily returning to action with light training sessions
Team Mbarara City traveled to Kampala on Friday after the early morning training at Kakyeka stadium.
That said, they have used the resting time to overcome fatigue and recover fully.
In the match proper, goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekebba is expected to command the starting slot ahead of Martin Elungat and Opio.
Innocent Wafula who had a colourful debut against MYDA could start at right back ahead of the usual suspect Zaidi Byekwaso with former SC Villa and Kitara player John Adriko at left back.
The central defenders available for selection are Ronald Otti and Karim Ramathan.
Ivan Eyam, the captain of the team as Hillary Mukundane completes the suspension, Solomon Okwalinga, Ronald Edwok, Swalik Bebe Ssegujja, Jude Ssemugabi, Raymond Derrick Onyai, Henry Kitegenyi, Bashir Mutanda, Siraje Muhindo and others are all available for selection for the visitors.
Missing:
Mbarara City has a number of players sidelined and therefore did not make the trip to Kampala.
Left back Jasper Aheebwa, Ivorian defender Soulyeman Bamba, South Sudanese goal scorer Makuweth Wol, defender Othieno and captain Hillary Mukundane are all out.
The game kicks off at 3 PM, an hour before the four other games to be played on Saturday.
Other matches:
Meanwhile, Wakiso Giants will play host to Onduparaka at the Kabaka Kyabaggu sports stadium.
Army side UPDF entertains Kyetume in Bombo, MYDA is at home against Soltilo Bright Stars in Tororo and a wounded Busoga United will take on Police at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
We are working towards converting the chances created.
Richard Wasswa Bbosa, Express FC Head coach
We shall handle the game with caution. We know that we are away from home and therefore shall be very cautious throughout the game. We need a positive result from the game.
Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Mbarara City FC Head coach
Other Matches:
- Wakiso Giants Vs Onduparaka, Kabaka Kyabaggu Sports Stadium -Wakiso (4:00 PM)
- UPDF Vs Kyetume, Bombo Military Barracks Grounds (4:00 PM)
- MYDA Vs Soltilo Bright Stars, King George IV Memorial Stadium, Tororo (4:00 PM)
- Busoga United Vs Police, FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru (4:00 PM)
Sunday, 18th April 2021
- KCCA Vs SC Villa, MTN Omondi Stadium – Lugogo (4:00pm), Live on Sanyuka TV
