University football: UCU 'ready' to face KIU

PEPSI UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Today's fixture

KIU v UCU (at 3pm)

Thursday fixture

IUIU v Kumi

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Reigning champions Uganda Christian University (UCU) will look to their forwards as they visit Kampala International University (KIU) Wednesday in the Pepsi University Football League at Wankulukuku.

UCU, who won 2-0 in their opening fixture against Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) in Mukono, will again rely on Geoffrey Gagganga, who scored twice in that game.

Head coach Kintu Mwera is hopeful that Gagganga will continue with his goal-scoring form.

"Gagganga has been a revelation. He was fantastic against IUIU, creating chances and finding spaces to score two good goals, and I hope he will be able to do the same against KIU."

"The team is ready and relaxed. We are taking it one game at a time as we look to getting out of the group stage and defend our trophy. KIU is a team we have faced before, so expect good football," added Mwera.

The two teams have faced each other six times, with UCU winning twice and KIU emerging victors once.

Their most recent meeting was in 2017 in the group stage of the competition - both games ended 1-1. That season, KIU failed to make it out of the group stage.

"We played well against Kumi and managed to get a win, though we didn't play as expected in the second half. I believe we can still win any team, whether big or small," said KIU team head coach Geoffrey Akabwai.

"UCU are champions and have always been a tough team to play. The last time we met, the game ended in a draw, but this time round we need a win and that is what we are going for."

Meanwhile, after suffering defeat against UCU, IUIU have since then taken training seriously and are looking forward to getting a positive result at home against Kumi University on Thursday.

IUIU had earlier lost 2-0 to UCU in the league's opening game in Mukono, but their coach Haruna Kebba believes they will make a comeback in their game at home.

"All teams have beefed up and you cannot take them lightly, and more so, even basing on the mode of play this season, each game is played as a final.

"We need a very big win against Kumi so that we can be safer," said Kebba.