Uganda Premier League | Thursday March 27| MD 21
- NEC Vs Express- Lugogo | 7 PM
- Police Vs Kitara – Kavumba | 4 PM
As the Uganda Premier League returns, Express FC captain Emmanuel Wasswa has assured fans that the Red Eagles are ready to put up a fight against NEC FC on Thursday evening in Lugogo.
The highly anticipated fixture sees Express face a determined NEC side that sits second on the table, just five points behind league leaders Vipers.
This game carries extra weight for NEC, who will be out for revenge. Express was the first team to hand them a defeat this season, edging them 2-1 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
That result ended NEC’s perfect start, which had seen them win three straight matches against Vipers, Kitara, and UPDF.
Heading into this clash, NEC remains in a strong position, having won two of their last three league games.
They defeated Lugazi 2-0 at home before drawing away with Wakiso Giants and later on claiming a 3-1 victory away to Maroons. Their impressive form makes them a serious contender for the title, and they will be pushing for maximum points to keep pace with Vipers.
On the other hand, Express FC is looking to turn around their recent struggles. The Red Eagles have lost their last two games, falling 1-0 to Lugazi in Najjembe and 2-1 to Police at home in Nakivubo.
With pressure mounting, head coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa and his players know they need a response.
Speaking ahead of the game, captain Emmanuel Wasswa emphasized the team’s determination to bounce back.
“We are ready for tomorrow’s game against NEC FC. We have trained well, and we are ready to complement all that we have been doing in our training,” Wasswa said.
“We are not doing so well, but I think it is time to bounce back as Express FC. We are a big team, so we believe that if we play according to what the coaches have been telling us, we can get a win tomorrow.”
Express winger Richard Basangwa echoed his captain’s sentiments, stressing the importance of a positive performance.
“I won’t sound different from my captain. As a team, we have not been playing well, but we are going to try our best tomorrow to perform well because our fans are expecting a lot from us. We have trained very well, and our boys are ready for tomorrow’s game. We promise our fans, we are going to win tomorrow.”
The Red Eagles will need to recapture the spirit they showed in their first meeting with NEC, where early goals from Geoffrey Gagganga and Ronald Andabati secured their victory.
With NEC’s strong home record and hunger for revenge, Express must be at their best to leave Lugogo with points.
Elsewhere in the league, Police FC will be hosting Kitara at Kavumba Recreation Grounds at 4 PM in another crucial fixture.
