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Express and SC Villa face off in the Round of 32 clash in the Stanbic Uganda Cup at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.
The two giants are not at their best of times in the league with Express failing to defend the title while the Jogoos are battling for survival.
As James Odoch and Petros Koukouras meet ahead of this Uganda Cup encounter, the Express interim coach says the Uganda Cup provides the only platform for his club to win a trophy this season.
“This is the only tournament where we have hope of winning silverware,” he said.
“Villa is a very good team and it is a very huge game in the history of Ugandan football but we shall try as much as we can to win it and progress to the next stage.”he added
“During the last few days of training, we focus more on our finishing because it is the biggest reason as to why we are not winning games of late and I believe this time around the boys will do a good job,” he concluded.
On the side of the Jogoos, Petros Koukouras says this could have easily been the final given the history the two sides have in the competition and in Uganda’s football as a whole.
“This could have easily been a Cup final because the rivalry between the two clubs says it all.” he said
“It is going to be a tough game even if both teams are not performing well lately. There will be high intensity and passion but hopefully, we come out victorious.” he added.
“We have had a couple of good results to build on recently, a win against Super Eagles and Gaddafi FC and also a draw with KCCA,” Koukouras noted.
Match Facts
Express are joint record holders of the competition with 10 trophies while SC Villa have 9.
However, Express FC have not won the competition since 2007 while SC Villa last lifted the trophy in 2015.
Team News
Express FC
The Red Eagles will be without experienced defender Murushid Jjuuko through injury, Martin Kizza, who is on national duty, Enock Ssebagala is suspended while Mahad Kakooza Yaya is back and available for selection.
SC Villa
For the Jogoos, Nicholas Kabonge, Salim Abdallah, Ronald Ssekiganda, Goffin Oyirwoth, Shafik Bakaki and Charles Bbaale are all absent.
Probable Lineups
Express FC:
Denis Otim (GK), Isa Lumu, Enock Ssebaggala, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Arthur Kiggundu, Daniel Shabena, Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Joseph Akandwanaho, Eric Kambale, George Ssenkaba.
SC Villa:
Ssenkooto MARTIN (GK) , Gavin Kizito, Ssemakula Kenneth, Gift Fred, Fred Agandu, Agele Benard, Amir Kakomo, Travis Mutyaba, Sadam Juma, Joseph Kafumbe, Isaac Ogwang
