Express FC are yet to win any match in the second of the league and the pressure is immense as they host Vipers SC in today’s encounter,reports JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE.
Express FC has only secured one point from a possible six in the second round of the Uganda Premier League (UPL). That makes the Red Eagles, who lost their last game 0-3 to Bul FC, vulnerable.
However, Express host Vipers, who are coming off a creditable continental result. The one-all draw away in Comoros against Volcan Club de Moroni in the Caf Confederation Cup has got Vipers’ tails up. But Express, too, are made for the crunch match.
Express midfielder Steven Luswata said it does not matter they are ready.
“We normally put up fantastic performances in the big games. And seeing the way we have been training this week, I am confident we are going to have a good game.”
Luswata drew comparisons to their first round clash against Vipers. He noted they went into that game following a spell of indifferent results but won 1-0. Luswata insists Express have the psychological edge.
His case is validated further by the fact that Vipers lost 0-2 at Wankulukuku last season. Tonny Odur and Ibrahim Kayiwa scored for Express then. But the two are now at Vipers. The last time Vipers won at Wankulukuku was in the 2009/2010 season, with Odur scoring.
Vipers have been boosted by the return of players from injury like Mike Sserumaga, who missed both Caf games. He is expected to add creativity to a Vipers’ side that overcame Comoros club de Moroni with a one-all draw.
Express coach Matia Lule admits his side will need to improve and avoid a third consecutive match without victory.
Fixtures:
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
Friday @4pm:
Express v Vipers
Soana v Police
URA vProline
Saturday @4pm:
KCCA vOnduparaka
JMC Hippos v Lweza
jovi@observer.ug