Match Day 15 of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) kicks off today, January 6, with three thrilling encounters as the first round comes to a climax.
Leaders Vipers SC host Maroons under the floodlights at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, while UPDF battle Express at Bombo Military Barracks Grounds, and Soltilo Bright Stars take on Lugazi at Kavumba Recreation Grounds.
Vipers vs Maroons
The spotlight shines brightest on the clash in Kitende, where Vipers, sitting atop the table with 31 points, aim to end the first round of the league on top of the table.
A victory over the resurgent Maroons, currently fourth with 22 points, would cement their position.
However, the hosts face a challenge, having drawn their last three home matches at Kitende.
Maroons, riding high after a 1-0 win over Mbale Heroes, will be eager to exploit Vipers’ recent struggles at home and leap into the top three.
Vipers, who are unbeaten in 13 games since their opening-day loss to NEC, will miss Derrick Ndahiro, suspended following his red card against UPDF. However, Richard Matovu is expected to step in.
Allan Okello and Milton Karisa are expected to lead the attack, while Vipers’ defense must keep an eye on Ivan Asaba, a former academy graduate who now stars for Maroons.
UPDF vs Express
At Bombo, UPDF and Express rekindle their rivalry in a fixture often marked by drama.
UPDF, winless in five games against Express, hope to end their poor run and climb from 11th to 8th with a win.
Despite their struggles, UPDF have been formidable at home, boasting four wins, two draws, and just one loss at Bombo.
Express on the other hand, are fresh off a morale-boosting 2-1 comeback victory over Bright Stars, and enter the match as favorites.
With 22 points in fifth place, a win could propel the Red Eagles to third.
However, their away form remains a concern, with only one victory in six matches on the road this season.
Bright Stars vs Lugazi
The third clash of the day pits Soltilo Bright Stars against Lugazi in a relegation battle at Kavumba.
Bright Stars, languishing in the bottom three with 9 points, desperately need a win to close the gap on Lugazi, who sit just above the red zone with 13 points.
Bright Stars, led by interim coach Ian Mutenda, will be without Marvin Youngman, who was suspended after a red card in their previous 2-1 loss to Express.
Lugazi, on the other hand, are reeling from a heartbreaking last-minute loss to BUL but will look to capitalise on their four-point cushion over Bright Stars to edge closer to safety.
