MATCH PREVIEW: EXPRESS FC vs KITARA FC
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Express FC vs Kitara FC
Kick off: 8pm
Venue: Hamz Stadium
Kitara now turn their attention back to the league as they travel to face Express FC at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo. The Royals will be hunting for their first league win after being held to a 1-1 draw by SC Villa last month.
The team travels with confidence following a strong run in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they knocked out Somalia’s Mogadishu City FC 4-1 on aggregate. That result sent Kitara into the second preliminary round of the competition for the first time in the club’s history, setting up a big test against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Midfielder Alex Emmanuel Wasswa says the team wants to carry that continental form into the league.
“We want to carry the same energy and motivation we showed in our two wins over Mogadishu City. We hope that performance can push us on against Express, so we can move to four points on the table and build from there,” he said.
Express FC will be out to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat away to rivals SC Villa at Wankulukuku. Coach Morley Byekwaso will want his side to return to winning ways in front of their own fans, especially after they impressed with a 2-0 home win over KCCA FC in their last match at Hamz Stadium. Still, Kitara will provide a tough test for the hosts on Thursday night.
For Kitara, three points are important. The team still has two games in hand, against Mbarara City and URA FC, missed due to continental duty. A win tonight would lift spirits and keep Kitara’s chase for a top four finish alive early in the season.
Jimmy Kalema was in fine form for Kitara during the Confederation Cup campaign, scoring three goals against Mogadishu City on his continental debut. Head coach George William Lutalo is expected to pair him with last season’s top scorer, Kaddu Patrick, to lead the attack against Express.
Team News:
Kitara have a clean bill of health ahead of the trip to Nakivubo, with no fresh injury or fitness concerns in the squad.