Express FC eyes third straight win as they host URA FC

Express FC will aim to maintain their recent resurgence in the Uganda Premier League when they host URA FC this evening under the floodlights at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.

The Red Eagles come into this fixture in excellent form, having secured back-to-back wins: a commanding 3-1 victory against Mbarara City at home and a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over rivals KCCA FC at the Philip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo in the Kampala derby last week.

These results have propelled them to third place in the league standings with 19 points.

A victory today would not only extend their unbeaten run to six games under interim head coach Badru Kaddu but also reduce their gap to league leaders NEC, who sit at the top of the table with 26 points, having played one more game.

Kaddu’s impact on Express FC

Since taking charge in October after Baker Mbowa’s dismissal, Kaddu has revitalized the seven-time league champions, guiding them to three wins and two draws. His tactical approach and good working relationship with the players have earned him huge praise from Express fans and neutrals.

Club captain Emmanuel Wasswa attributes the team’s improved performances to Kaddu's confidence-building techniques and revamped training methods.

“Coach Kaddu has worked on our confidence, introduced tactical changes, and implemented classroom sessions to help us analyze games better. Our target is to finish in the top four this season,” Wasswa said.

Kaddu has also prioritized player welfare, building unity by encouraging players to contribute part of their allowances towards training refreshments. Furthermore, he has worked with Hamz Stadium management to secure more training time on the pitch and in the gym.

This resurgence has rekindled enthusiasm and hope among Express fans, who are now showing up in large numbers, both for home and away matches. Their passionate support was evident during the recent victory over KCCA, where they dominated the atmosphere at Lugogo with chants and songs celebrating their team.

On URA's side, they are currently in ninth place with 15 points. They have been grappling with inconsistency under head coach Alex Isabirye.

“It is frustrating that we have not built a consistent winning run. This is not good for a team aiming for the title, but I am committed to working hard to improve our performance,” Isabirye shared.

In their last outing, URA managed a 1-1 draw against NEC at the Hamz Stadium.

Sharing the same venue as their home ground, today’s clash against Express will be more than just a match. It is a battle for Nakivubo supremacy and bragging rights.

Forwards Sam Ssenyonjo, who has scored six goals for Express, will be key for them, while Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who has found the back of the net seven times for URA, will also be instrumental for his side in today's encounter.

Elsewhere, defending champions SC Villa will host Police FC at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku. Villa coach Morley Byekwaso is under mounting pressure after a run of disappointing results, including a 2-1 loss to NEC and a 1-1 draw against Lugazi FC.

Police FC are currently seventh with 16 points, just one place above Villa, who are in eighth with 15 points from 11 matches.

Uganda Premier League 
Results
Wednesday 
NEC 1 Bright Stars 0
UPDF 1 Mbale Heroes 1
Thursday
Maroons 0 Kitara 4
Lugazi 1 Mbarara City 1
Friday 
SC Villa v Police, 4pm 
Express v URA, 7pm
Saturday 
Vipers v BUL, 7pm
Sunday 
Wakiso Giants v KCCA, 4pm