Vipers hope to kickstart their season against Express FC

Following their 3-1 loss to NEC on Sunday, Vipers will play Express FC in Kitende on Thursday in an attempt to avenge their disappointing performance at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

Livingstone Mulondo scored for the Venoms, while Muzamir Mutyaba and former Vipers forwards Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi scored for NEC.

The Venoms’ loss in their first league game against NEC marked a first for the team in nearly a decade.

Their last defeat in the first game of the 2012–13 season came on September 25, 2012, when they lost 2-1 at home against Entebbe FC.

At that point, Ambrose Duru Chukuma, a Nigerian tactician, was leading Vipers, who concluded the season in third position.

Nikola Kavazovic’s team will aim to score as many points as possible in their first home encounter against Express.

Unlike the previous season, when they lost two games at Kitende to BUL FC and KCCA FC, they will need to make their home a fortress if they hope to mount a title challenge.

The head coach of Express FC was thrilled to watch his team win by a slim margin of 2-1 against recently promoted Mbale Heroes on Tuesday at the renovated Nakivubo stadium, earning maximum points.

The seven-time league champions won their opening game with ease thanks to two goals from Sam Ssenyonjo in the second half. They will go into Kitende full of confidence.

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Hillary Mukundane, who missed the Vipers’ opening match against NEC FC, will return, which will help the team.

On the other side, former Vipers SC forward Richard Basangwa is anticipated to be unleashed by the Red Eagles. It’s anticipated that Emmanuel Wasswa and Saidi Kyeyune, two seasoned midfielders, will again partner in the middle.

In the history of the Ugandan League, Vipers and Express will square off for the 38th time since the Venoms moved up to the top flight in 2006.

Earlier Meetings:

Over the preceding 37 meetings, Vipers have managed 17 victories, 12 draws, and 8 losses.

Vipers defeated Express 1-0 in a close game in Kitende last season, while the Red Eagles triumphed 2-0 at Wankulukuku in the first round of play.

Important Information

The Red Eagles have only triumphed once at Kitende, and it came in their championship-winning 2020–21 campaign when they defeated Vipers 1-0 thanks to a goal from John Byamukama.