We head into this afternoon’s last-16 tie full of confidence after completing a league double over Lugazi FC earlier this season — the first time we’ve managed back-to-back wins against them in the past two campaigns.
Having already beaten them 1-0 at home in January and 2-0 away on 6 March in the Ugandan Premier League, we now look to make it three wins from three meetings this term and secure our place in the quarter-finals of the competition we finished as runners-up in 2024.
Our current run is impressive: unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions since December, with solid defensive shape; which has seen us keep 10 clean sheets in this unbeaten run, and real attacking intent that has seen us score 17 goals. Today we aim to carry that momentum into a knockout fixture on home soil.
Team News
Good news from the treatment room Joseph Seremba has recovered from his right ankle sprain and is available for selection today. Hudson Mbalire has also made excellent progress following his left foot contusion and is back in contention after resuming full training.
We are still without Jacob Okao, Joseph Dhata, Emmanuel Ajo, and Pius Obuya due to injury, but the rest of the squad is fit and the boss has strong options to choose from for this important cup tie.
Opposition Insight
Lugazi FC come into the game as underdogs but with belief after knocking out Police FC 2-1 in the previous round, with Umar Kyebatala scoring both goals. Coached by Simon Peter Mugerwa, they are well-organised, energetic and will look to frustrate us, stay compact and hit on the counter. In a one-off cup match, they’ll be dangerous if given any encouragement.
Head-to-Head Context
Across all competitions since our first meetings in the FUFA Big League, we have won 4 and lost 2 against Lugazi. This season we’ve taken all six league points from them, and history suggests we usually have the upper hand when it matters.
We’re in a strong position to progress but we know cup ties can be unpredictable, so full focus and intensity will be required from the first whistle.
What the coach says