Express seek first away win against unbeaten NEC

Express FC will be seeking their first away victory of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) season when they visit unbeaten NEC FC at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo today.

The Red Eagles have struggled on the road, losing 1-0 to BUL FC and 2-0 to SC Villa in their two away fixtures.

Overall, Express have collected four points from four matches, winning once, drawing once and losing twice to sit ninth on the table.

They return to league action after the international break hoping to build on the fighting spirit they showed in their last outing, when they recovered from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Kitara FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

However, they face a confident NEC side that has made an impressive start to the campaign.

The Bugolobi-based outfit are unbeaten after four matches, winning three and drawing one to collect 10 points. They will also be looking to maintain their perfect home record.

NEC coach Badru Kaddu will add an interesting subplot to the encounter as he faces his former employers. Kaddu joined NEC from Express midway through last season and will now be determined to keep his new side’s unbeaten run intact against the Red Eagles.

Before the international break, NEC produced one of their most convincing performances of the season, thrashing URA FC 4-1 at Lugogo.

Their preparations have also been boosted by the return of goalkeeper and assistant captain Hannington Ssebwalunyo and forward Richard Basangwa, who were part of the Uganda Cranes squad during the recent AFCON 2027 qualifiers and international friendlies against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Basangwa, in particular, will be a major threat to Express after scoring four goals in four matches before the league break. Henrique Lubwama and James Jarieko are also expected to provide attacking support.

“Our objective this season is to play good football and also win some silverware. The players are in good spirits and we are ready for the game. It is true that I was part of Express before and they are still dear to me, but I am now a member of the NEC family, so their interests come first,” said Kaddu.

Express coach Morley Byekwaso, whose squad was unaffected by the international call-ups, has had ample time to prepare his players for the assignment.

Nicholas Jjonga, Alex Yiga and Isaac Wagoina are among those expected to lead the Red Eagles’ charge.

“It is true NEC have been consistent this season and are a good team, but we have prepared well. The players are all determined to get a good result,” said Byekwaso.

The sides played out two goalless draws last season, suggesting another tight contest could be on the cards.

Meanwhile, defending champions Vipers SC travel to Hoima City Stadium to face newly promoted Blacks Power.

Blacks Power have won three of their opening four matches, with their only defeat coming against BUL.

Vipers, meanwhile, will target their second victory after losing to UPPC before beating Ntugasaze 3-0 at Kitende.

The Venoms will hope to build on that victory and return from Hoima with three points as they continue their title defence.

Wednesday results

Kitara 1 Kigezi 0

Kataka 1 Villa 1

Maroons 3 Lugazi 0

Ntugasaze 1 Mbarara 0

Thursday, 4pm

Blacks Power v Vipers

At 7pm

NEC v Express

Friday

UPPC v Police

URA v KCCA

Sunday

UPDF v BUL