Overview:
The two teams come into the game on the back of wins; SC Villa edging four-time champions URA 1-0 while Express stunned fellow giants KCCA 2-0 – both matches at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo last week.
Traditional giants SC Villa and Express renew old rivalry in another Kampala derby at the Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku on Wednesday.
The two teams come into the game on the back of wins; SC Villa edging four-time champions URA 1-0 while Express stunned fellow giants KCCA 2-0 – both matches at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo last week.
This highly anticipated clash also comes at a time with both optimistic of having a good season.
SC Villa sit ahead of the Red Eagles by a point after a draw and win so far and lie 5th on the 18-team table just above their rivals.
Former Villa player and coach Morley Byekwaso returns to face his former bosses as coach of Express FC.
The other subplot will see John Asiimwe (Villa) face his immediate former pay masters.
What the coaches say!
Zeljko Kovacevic (SC Villa)
A derby is always a good game to showcase experience and talent. And because of that we have to be focused tomorrow. They (Express FC) are a good team; they brought in some experienced players it will not be such an easy Game but we’re ready.
Morley Byekwaso (Express FC)
We face a very good side but we head there very confident given our performance and results in the last game. The lads are in good mood and we shall go there and try to win.
Team News
Villa will be without Isaac Mpagi (suspended) following a red card in the 1-0 win over URA and joins Najib Yiga who is nursing an injury and has not played this season. Simon Ssemayange is doubtful.
They however welcome back midfielder Aslam Ssemakula who has not played a league game this season.
For Express FC, no injury worries have been reported with Moses Sseruyide likely to make his debut.
Key players
The hosts will look to Patrick Kakande and Frank Ssebuufu for goals although neither has scored a goal this season but the latter has two assists to his name.
Express will look to Isaac Wagoina, Steven Yiga and Mathias Kigonya in goal to thwart everything that Villa could throw at them.
Key Stats
- Since 2012, the two sides have met 28 times in the premier league with Villa on top with 15 wins [L6, D7]
- Express have not beaten Villa away from home since 2022 when they won 2-1; Eric Kambale and an own goal from Amir Kakomo deciding the game.
- SC Villa are unbeaten in 18 home matches since a 1-0 loss to NEC in May 2025 [W12, D6]
- Express have registered just THREE wins away from home in the last TWENTY matches [L11, D8]
Probable Lineups
SC Villa: Lukwago (GK), Okumu, Odong ©, Lubangakene, Ssemayange, Barasa, Mugisha, Kakande, Kasinde, Mpande, Ssebuufu
Express: Kigonya (GK) ©, Adriko, Kyambadde, Rwotwongyo, Batambuze, Kisule, Muluya, Mutebi, Yiga, Ssali, Wagoina
MATCH DAY THREE FIXTURES & RESULTS
Wednesday September 9, 2026
- SC Villa vs Express – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm
- Entebbe UPPC vs Lugazi – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 4pm
Thursday September 10, 2026
- Police vs UPDF – Kiira Road Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
Friday September 11, 2026
- Mbarara City vs NEC – Rwamwanja stadium, Kamwenge 4pm
Tuesday September 8, 2026 Results
- BUL 4-1 Ntugasaze
- Kigezi HomeBoyz 0-0 KCCA
- Maroons 1-2 Blacks Power
