Bright Stars lost 3-1 to Express last week. (file photo)
WANKULUKUKU – Following an embarrassing 3-1 loss at the Mutessa II Stadium in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, Bright Stars hope to revenge when they visit Express in the second leg of the Uganda Cup semifinals.
Coming to this particular match, the game is all square, after a one all draw at the Champions Stadium, Mwererwe in the first leg.
Express took the lead through Michael Birungi before Bright Stars’ skipper Nelson Senkatuka equalized with a well drilled penalty.
The second leg will therefore be a do or die affair since a spot in the prestigious final is up for grabs.
In the final games of the season, Bright Stars humiliated Paidha Black Angels 6-1 at Mwererwe with Senkatuka scoring five times.
For the Red Eagles they suffered a goal-less draw away to Onduparaka at the Green Light Stadium in Arua as George Ssimwogerere sought to rest many of the players ahead of the Wednesday Uganda Cup game.
The main factor to look out for in Thursday’s game is how both sets of crowds will respond after the hooliganism exhibited in the first leg.
What the coaches say
Paul Kiwanuka (Bright Stars)
“The return leg is going to be tougher than the first leg. We need more than one goal and we are going to overturn the 1-1 draw provided we don’t concede.”
“My players know where we are going, there ready for the battle and they know what they want .
“I know we are better than Express so we sure we are going to qualify for the finals.”
George Ssimwogerere (Express FC)
“I have prepared well to play against Bright stars mentally and physically and I trust my players to win the game.
“I see my team already playing in the finals against Proline so I have nothing to worry about apart from my first goal keeper who got injured during a friendly with Nte clan. Other than that all my players are ready to battle.”
Ssemwogerere (right) is confident his side will reach the finals (file photos)
Team news
The Red’s left back Arthur Kiggundu, will miss out of the contest following a career threatening injury suffered when the two clubs clashed in the first leg. Express will also miss the services of first goal keeper Mathias Muwanga who sustained an injury while playing a friendly Nte clan, Eric Kambale is also out because of an injury.
SSimwogera will look to Sadiq Ssekyembe who has proved a valuable asset as Kiggundu’s timey replacement, Tony Odur , Captain Revita John and the Nsubuga duo of Badru plus Mubaraka if hes to proceed to the finals.
Goal Machine Senkatuka remains the biggest threat for team Express but ofcourse he will be assisted by Fred Ssegujja, Brian Kayanja, Jungu and Alfred Onek.
Bright Stars has able defenders like Innocent Assimwe, Farouk Katongole, Enock Walusimbi, and Samuel Ssekitto who will work their way out to shield their veteran goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge from an impending danger.
Bright Stars’ back line will miss Andrew Kaggwa (red card from the first leg) and Derrick Ngobi, Mahad Kisekka and Benjamin Kalisa who have injuries.
The winner between Express and Bright Stars will qualify for the final to play Proline in the final on 25th May 2019 at Masaka Recreational Stadium.
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