The Uganda Premier League returns today with three enticing fixtures, headlined by the Lugogo derby between table-toppers KCCA and third-placed NEC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Under the floodlights, both sides will battle to maintain their unbeaten records at a venue they share as home ground.
For KCCA, a victory would extend their stay at the league summit with 21 points, while NEC, two points behind, could leapfrog their hosts and assume leadership with a win.
The Kasasiro boys enter the clash buoyed by a resilient 1-1 draw against Vipers SC in Kitende before the international break.
Ashraf Mugume’s last-gasp equaliser rescued a point after Milton Karisa had handed the Venoms a first-half lead.
Despite their unbeaten start to the season, Abdallah Mubiru’s team faces selection challenges.
First-choice goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards, while key players Derrick Nsibambi, Julius Poloto, Peter Magambo, and Joao Gabriel remain unavailable.
On a positive note, striker Emmanuel Anyama is set to return to action.
NEC, on the other hand, fresh from a goalless draw with Police before the break, are eager to recover their momentum.
Coach Hussein Mbalangu has rallied his troops for the high-stakes encounter, emphasising their readiness to upset the league leaders.
Though Ibrahim Thembo, Patrick Bayiga, and Cromwell Rwothomio sustained knocks in their last outing, they trained with the team and are likely to feature.
However, Joseph Dhata, Amir Kakomo, and Tah Barni Kelvin remain doubtful.
The rivalry between these two sides produced fireworks last season, with each winning emphatically in their away fixtures.
NEC stunned KCCA 2-0 first, only for the Kasasiro Boys to return the favour with an identical 3-0 triumph in the reverse fixture.
This time round, the teams have set their ambitions and missions.
For KCCA, it’s a chance to solidify their lead and maintain their unbeaten run, while NEC’s mission is clear: to disrupt the established order and ascend to the top.
With contrasting styles and shared ambitions, the Lugogo derby promises a thrilling encounter that could have significant implications for the title race.
Kickoff is at 7:00 PM.
