KCCA and NEC are set to battle in a top-of-the-table clash at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Thursday as the Uganda Premier League resumes after the international break.
This highly anticipated fixture doubles as a Lugogo derby, with both teams using the stadium as their home ground. However, this time, KCCA will act as hosts.
“This is going to be a tricky game, but we have done everything within our capacity to prepare,” KCCA head coach Abdallah Mubiru said during his pre-match remarks.
“We know what is at stake because NEC is third, and if they defeat us, they’ll overtake us on the table.
“It’s important for us to stay focused. We all know how returning from the break could affect momentum, but we hope to stay on the right track,” he added.
Before the international break in October, KCCA registered a 1-0 win against Bright Stars in Kavumba but returned with a goalless draw at home against UPDF.
Meanwhile, NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu acknowledged KCCA’s impressive form this season but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge.
“This is going to be one of the best matchups this season because both teams play entertaining football,” Mbalangu said.
“KCCA has shown that they’re the best team in the league this season, but we’re not far off either.
“A win on Thursday will take us to the top of the table, and that’s where our focus is, even though it’s going to be a difficult game,” he emphasized.
Earlier in the season, Mbalangu vowed to make Lugogo a fortress for NEC, regardless of their opponents.
However, this will be the first meeting of the season between the two sides, with KCCA acting as hosts.
Key Statistics
KCCA remains unbeaten in their first eight matches, having played four games at home and dropped points only once in a goalless draw against UPDF.
NEC has also enjoyed a strong start to the season, going unbeaten in five games at Lugogo, where they have drawn once against Police.
However, they have lost twice on the road this season, suffering 1-0 defeats to Lugazi and Express.
In their maiden UPL campaign last season, NEC stunned KCCA with a 2-0 victory when the latter was hosting, while KCCA responded with a commanding 3-0 win in the return leg.
Team News
KCCA will be without goalkeeper Mutwalib Mugolofa, who has been in excellent form with six clean sheets this season, due to suspension.
Other absentees include Peter Magambo, Julius Poloto, Derrick Nsibambi, and Emmanuel Anyama.
Mubiru must also decide whether to field Saidi Mayanja, Gavin Kizito, and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, who returned from duty with the Uganda Cranes in Congo Brazzaville on Thursday morning.
NEC also has fitness concerns, with late tests expected for Cromwell Rwothomio, Ibrahim Tembo, and Patrick Bayiga.
On the brighter side, Paul Mucureezi and Muzamiru Mutyaba are available to face their former club.
What’s at Stake?
Only two points separate the two sides, with KCCA sitting on 18 points and NEC on 16.
A win for NEC would see them climb to the top of the standings, making this clash critical for both teams as the season intensifies.
Fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with tactical battles and exciting football as both sides fight for supremacy at Lugogo.
