Uganda Premier League | Friday | MD 23
- Express Vs Vipers – 7 PM | Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
- Lugazi FC Vs UPDF FC – 4 PM | Lugazi FC Stadium, Najjembe
The Uganda Premier League serves up an attractive Friday evening double header, with both matches carrying high stakes for teams at opposite ends of the table.
While Vipers SC look to tighten their grip on the top spot against struggling Express FC, Lugazi FC and UPDF FC clash in a fierce mid-table encounter, each side fighting to climb the standings.
Express Vs Vipers
Under the fairly bright lights at Hamz Stadium, table toppers Vipers SC face a stern challenge against a wounded Express FC side looking to end a miserable run of form.
The Red Eagles have lost four straight matches and currently sit 9th with 28 points, a far cry from their illustrious history.
Despite their dip in form, Vipers’ co-head coach Fred Muhumuzza is not taking Express lightly. “Forget their position on the table, they are a big side with good coaches, and they can be dangerous on the day,” he warned.
But with NEC closing the gap to just one point after their win over Kitara, the Venoms know there’s no room for error.
Vipers come into this one knowing a win is not just desired, it’s essential. For Express, however, pride is on the line. Snapping their losing streak against the league leaders would be a statement, and potentially a turning point for their season.
What is at stake?
- Vipers SC: A win to stay top of the table and fend off NEC.
- Express FC: A shot at redemption and halting a worrying slide.
Lugazi FC Vs UPDF FC
Earlier in the day, Lugazi FC host UPDF FC in a tightly poised mid-table clash where both sides are separated by just two points. Lugazi, currently 11th with 26 points, are looking to bounce back from three consecutive losses, most recently a narrow 1-0 defeat to Vipers. A win would see them leapfrog UPDF and possibly climb as high as 9th.
UPDF, on the other hand, arrive with some momentum. A hard-fought draw against title contenders NEC and a win over Wakiso Giants have lifted spirits in their camp.
Sitting 10th with 28 points, the army side are just as desperate for three points to solidify their place in the top half of the table.
Lugazi comes into the match with a fully fit squad and renewed determination. Assistant coach Gerald Efiti emphasized that the team has worked hard on correcting their weaknesses: “We have trained and worked on that. Every player is in the camp and waiting for Friday to win that game.”
Goalkeeper Juma Mutebi echoed that sentiment, acknowledging past failings but promising a stronger response. “We are going to come pound for pound. We are very ready for them and I know we are going to beat them.”
The last time these two sides met, UPDF edged Lugazi 1-0.
What is at Stake?
- UPDF FC: A chance to move up to 9th and continue their steady form.
- Lugazi FC: An opportunity to leapfrog their visitors and shake off a losing streak.
