Express v Police | Uganda Cup Round of 16 | Betway Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku | Monday 18th February | Kickoff 4:00pm

The Red Eagles’ only hope of winning silverware this season will be the Uganda Cup were they beat Water FC 2-1 at Wankulukuku in the Round of 32 to qualify to the round of 16 courtesy of a late header from Ibrahim Kayiwa after Odur’s penalty was cancelled out by Water FC immediately after the break.

However, our old nemesis Police are in our way in achieving this success which we have managed to achieve a record 10 times.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of this must win encounter.

Team News

Goalkeeper Tony Kyamera is not training due to being sick

Defender Hamis Batega is also out due to Malaria.

Robben Kabuye also out due to a recurrent groin problem.

Eric Kambale out with a hamstring injury and expected to be back after one or two weeks.

Captain Davis Mayanja injured against BUL and not yet back in full training.

Zaga didn’t finish the game against Nyamityobora after getting a knock but expected to be back against Police

Mubaraka Nsubuga also substituted against Nyamityobora due to a stomach problem but expected to be back in time for Police.

Tony Odur back in full training after a thigh and mild hamstring problem he is closely monitored by the medical team and expected to make it against Police.

Michael Birungi will be available after his four-match ban was reduced to two and missed games against BUL and Nyamityobora.

Goffin Oyirwoth also back in full training.

Badru Nsubuga missed games against BUL and Nyamityobora due to sickness but he is back in full treatment and he will be available against Police.

Ivan Ocholit is also back in full training and may be involved if his match fitness levels are satisfactory to the coaches.

A further update will be got from the coach in his pre match interview.

How we performed against Police in the league.

Both teams lost their home games but won the away games.
The Red Eagles travelled to Lugogo in the first leg of the league and won 3-1 against Police. Tony Odur scored the opener before Ibrahim Kayiwa and Michael Birungi added the third against his former side. Jumah Balinya scored the consolation for the hosts.

The Cops won the second round fixture at Wankulukuku beating the Red Eagles 2-0 courtesy of goals from Jumah Balinya and Johnson Odongo.

Who is their manager?

Abdallah Mubiru! The man who wants to play football the way many think it should be played with flayer and attack. He has plenty of Premier League experience having coached Police, Proline, KCCA, and Vipers.
His teams have not been easy for us but a double against us at home in the season would be a worst moment this season and must be avoided at all cost.

How are they faring in th UPL?

The Police side have so far won 8, drawn 3 and lost 8 in 19 games. They have scored 28 goals (Only KCCA better with 37), they have conceded 31 goals (Only Nyamityobora has conceded more, a weakness the Red Eagles can capitalize on). They are 8th on the table with 27 points, 3 above Express.

Players to watch.

Jumah Balinya! 11 goals already to his name in 19 UPL games. Among those two against us and an assist. He is their go to man when it comes to getting goals.

Marauding Right back Paul Willa, Ashraf Mugume, Johnson Odongo and Hassan Kalega are other players Police can rely on for inspiration.

In case the game ends in a draw there will be no extra time. They will go to spot kicks to determine the winner.

Who else is playing in this round of 16?

Friday 15th
Wakiso Giants v Tooro United – Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe
BUL v Bukedea TC – FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
URA v Bright Stars – Mandela National Stadium, Nambole

Saturday 16th
Kitara v Kyetume – Kigaya Grounds, Hoima
Vipers v Kiboga Young – St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Nebbi Central v Nkambi Coffee – Luo Stadium, Nebbi

Sunday 17th
Proline v Onduparaka – StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo

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