Lugazi FC squad. Photo by Lugazi FC media.
Newcomers Lugazi FC will be aiming to keep their relegation survival hopes alive when they host Express FC on Thursday at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe on matchday 19 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
The Red Eagles enter this fixture full of confidence after thrashing Wakiso Giants 4-1 in their previous outing. In contrast, Lugazi FC suffered a 2-0 defeat to NEC FC. However, the hosts will take inspiration from their previous meeting, where they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Express at Mutesa II Stadium in Nakivubo.
That historic win marked the first top-flight victory for coach Oliver Mbekeka, the first female head coach to achieve such a feat. Express FC will be banking on in-form forward Samuel Ssenyonjo, who netted a stunning hat-trick in their emphatic win over Wakiso Giants.
They will be targeting back-to-back victories, while Lugazi FC hopes to complete a crucial double over their opponents. A win for Lugazi FC would propel them to 11th place with 23 points, a significant 10-point gap above the relegation zone.
Express FC, meanwhile, welcomes back captain Emmanuel Wasswa and Ashiraf Mbazira from suspension, while Geoffrey Gagganga has recovered from injury and is available for selection. However, Steven Senfuma and Derrick Ngoobi remain sidelined.
Lugazi FC will be without Nelson Mandela due to personal issues, while Derrick Mwanje serves a suspension. BUL FC vs Kitara FC Meanwhile, Eastern Giants BUL FC will take on Kitara FC on Thursday evening under the floodlights of Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.
Despite being the designated home side, BUL will be playing away from their usual venue, the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, which is undergoing renovations. BUL FC currently sits in third place with 29 points, just one point ahead of fourth-placed Kitara FC.
In their previous encounter, BUL secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Walter Ochora, Dickson Matama, and Martin Aprem, while Kitara's Arthur Kiggundu scored a consolation goal. Both teams head into this fixture with impressive second-round records—neither has conceded a goal nor suffered a defeat.
BUL FC has won all three of its second-round matches, while Kitara has registered two wins and a draw. In their most recent league outings, Kitara edged URA FC 1-0, while BUL secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars.
Kitara FC head coach Wasswa Bbosa is aware of the challenge ahead, stating, "We're facing a team that beat us in the first leg, boasting experienced players and coaches. Although they're hosting away from home, we've prepared our team to secure maximum points in Nakivubo."
Historically, Kitara has struggled against BUL, failing to secure a win or even a point in their previous away encounters. Last season, a 10-man BUL edged Kitara 2-1 at home. BUL FC will welcome back Najib Fesali from injury, though Isma Mugulusi remains sidelined.
Kitara, on the other hand, will be without Titus Ssematimba, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.
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