Azam Premier League, Friday April 28
Express vs KCCA – Wankulukuku, Azam TV 4pm
SC Villa vs Police – Masaka R Ground, 4.30pm
Saturday, April 29
Soana vs Onduparaka – Kavumba R. Ground, 4pm
Vipers SC vs URA – St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, 4pm
Friday brings another exciting round of games, with both Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) title rivals in action.
KCCA travel to Wankulukuku to face fierce challengers Express looking to bounce back after a 2-1 defeat to Vipers on Tuesday.
Across the city in Masaka, Villa will be hoping to keep the title race alive when they welcome Police to the Recreation Ground.
At Wankulukuku, KCCA manager Mike Mutebi is demanding a response from his players after failing to win in the defending champions’ last three league matches.
Draws against URA and SC Villa were followed by defeat to Vipers, which ended their unbeaten home record this season, left KCCA stuck on 48 points with the Jogoos, although the latter have played two matches more.
Express midfielder Saddam Juma expects KCCA to come at them strong as they go for the title but says they have something special prepared for them as well.
“We know it is like a title decider for KCCA but we are coming at them because we have nothing to lose,” Juma said.
“This is a big game for big players and I’m inspired by the fact that I always play well when I face KCCA.”
Friday’s game is also a rehearsal for a potential Uganda Cup semi-final tie between the two should KCCA eject Police in the upcoming quarterfinal match at Namboole on Sunday.
KCCA manager, Mutebi, knows they need to get back to winning ways quickly. “It is a reactionary match,” he said, “I was not overly bothered by the result (Vipers’ 2-1 loss) because we made school boy mistakes.
“The reaction will be that those mistakes are addressed. We are facing a very organised side defensively.”
Matthias Lule’s Express come into this with no injury worries. For KCCA, teenager Allan Okello, who missed the game against Vipers because of school, is available for selection.
Midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba is also available after shaking off a shoulder niggle from Tuesday’s defeat to Vipers.
Defender Timothy Awany is, however, out through suspension after accumulating three yellow cards. KCCA have won three out of the last 10 games between the two. Express have won two.
In Masaka, Villa coach Wasswa Bbosa will be hoping they pick maximum points for them to sustain their rather faint hopes of winning their first league title since 2004.
Anything short of victory against Police, and KCCA getting a positive result in Wankulukuku will see Villa’s title hopes further dwindle.
Saturday will see Soana welcome Onduparaka to Kavumba Recreation Ground while the big one has pumped up Vipers host URA.