Express FC aims to close gap on URA

By James bakama & J. Ssenyimba

Today

Masaka LC v Express

Maroons v F. Masters

Hoima-Busia v Villa

Proline v Police

Express face Masaka without star midfielder Bonney Baingana but that has not dampened the Red Eagles’ resolve to keep in the Bell Uganda Super League title chase.

Baingana, in yet another of his now frequent disappearances from camp, recently left the country for an assignment with Rwanda’s national side.

“He again didn’t ask for permission. We shall miss him but that has not dampened our determination to go for the title,” said Coach Sam Ssimbwa. A win for Express will have them move within a point of URA who, with three games left, lead the 16 team race with 54 points.

Express was dealt a blow in a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals KCC on May 18 and now the absconding of Baingana.

But a draw by URA and an away win for Express had the Wankuluku side close the gap on the leaders.

“The trophy is within reach,” said coach Ssimbwa on Sunday after his midfielder Yayo Lutimba, who was returning from suspension, silenced a passionate Victors crowd with an early strike at Kakindu. Club top scorer Julius Ogwang (nine goals) is the man on whose shoulders lies the task of breaking a determined Masaka defence.

His pace on the right flank together with Baingana’s runs on the left have been the starting point of most of the Eagles’ killer punches. Proline, on course for their best league performance, face a stern test in Police. Coach Sam Timbe has turned around the Cops’ fortunes from a club destined for the drop to one that is now ambushing giants.

Police held URA 1-1 last week, shortly after beating Masaka 3-1. Villa, in an unfamiliar eighth position, face a fatigued Hoima-Busia who have been playing up to three matches a week.