Ugandan league champions Express FC kickstart their CECAFA Kagame Cup title charge when they face South Sudanese outfit Atlabara FC on Monday 2nd August at the Azam Complex Chamazi in Dar-es-Saalam, Tanzania.

The Red Eagles who are making their first appearance at the showpiece in eight years are hoping to pick up maximum points despite the scorching heat with the temperatures in Dar-es-Saalam standing at 24%C.

MATCH STATS.

Both teams are facing off for the very first time in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Express FC have made the finals of the CECAFA Kagame Cup twice (’94,’95) while Atlabara FC’s best finish remains a quarter final finish.

TEAM NEWS.

Forward George Ssenkaba is finally available after a long injury layoff.
Defensive midfeilder Abel Etrude is also available after shaking off a recurring knee injury.
New signings Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and winger Joseph Akandwanaho are in line to make their debuts.

Skipper Enock Walusimbi and Goalkeeper Denis Otim are available too having joined up with the squad from Ethiopia where they’d been featuring for the Cranes at the CECAFA U23 Senior challenge cup.

REACTIONS.

Wasswa Bbosa – Head Coach.

“We’ve been training very well since we arrived, the arrival of the skipper Enock Walusimbi and goalkeeper Denis Otim has boosted the team more, just like us they’re in better shape. I’d say we’ve prepared well ahead of tomorrow’s game (Vs Atlabara FC) the target is to start with a win to gain confidence going forward”.

Enock Walusimbi – Club Captain.

“I am so happy to have joined the camp, the mood here is great, the players are fine and they know we’re all here to win the trophy”.

The game kicks off at 4pm Ugandan time and will be live on Azam TV.