We are up against a desperate Maroons side that has not won a single game in the five matches played since the restart of the second round. If we secure a win this evening, we aim to claim the third spot on the table. However, a victory for them would result in them overtaking us and securing the fourth place.
Allan Mugalu’s lone strike in the second half at the Prison Ground in Luzira secured a victory for us in our first-ever encounter against Ssenfuma’s side. A win this evening would mean we have completed a double against a third opponent, with Busoga United and Mbarara City being the other two.
Seizing the opportunity
Mbalangu and his team will be looking forward to taking advantage of an available opportunity to claim the third place. NEC FC will play days before Vipers, who currently occupy that position, take on KCCA in Friday night’s StarTimes Uganda Premier football match.
With the same opportunity utilized well on Saturday in Jinja, where we overcame a resilient Gaddafi, a similar chance presents itself. Seizing it with open hands will send us into the international break with satisfaction as we await the encounter in Kitende with ease.
Maroons second round form
Since the restart of the second round, the prison wardens have not won a single game, losing twice to Villa and URA, while drawing against Wakiso Giants, BUL, and most recently against the table leaders. They have collected only 3 points from a possible 15, scoring only once. However, this worrying form has some positives for Ssenfuma’s side, as they have kept three clean sheets.
As noted in the presser by Maroons’ Ronald Orombi, they are finding solace in the Maroons vs. Kitara performance. He mentioned that they failed to capitalize on their first-half chances to win the game. However, he emphasized that their overall performance was extremely good, and they will be looking to improve it for a positive result this evening. Orombi also highlighted what he calls “brotherhood in the camp,” to be a great driver ahead of this encounter.
What Coaches say
Simon Peter Ojok handled the media duties for Maroons ahead of this game and had this to say: “The players are working hard, they are training hard, trying to give in their best, attempting to incorporate all the tactics that we give them, good game understanding, and also the transition is very okay because we started this second round on a low note. But as the games go on, we are seeing a lot of progress. We have some players who are not yet back in training, such as Hannington Ssebwalunyo, our goalkeeper, Innocent, Kambugu, and Kyebatala, all out due to medical reasons. We know NEC is a good side with a good coach, playing good football, very fast on the wing, their wing play is very effective. But as Maroons, as I always tell you, we are a big club, we are preparing the players very well to see that we can match all their tactics and individual play.”
Mbalangu Hussein
The trip to Jinja was very successful because we achieved what we wanted – the 3 points. Every team that wins an away game gets motivated; that win is like fuel for tomorrow’s game. I know we will work hard to ensure that we don’t disappoint our fans at home. We will maintain our momentum and pace. Maroons is a very good team, and even when you analyze how they drew with the table leaders, it was a good game. We are waiting for them with more energy so that we can secure three points in that one. Cromwell got a knock, but he has been cleared by the doctor to play tomorrow.
Team News
Kiirya Samson is still out with a shoulder injury, while Atendele is still serving his suspension. The rest of the squad is available for selection. The game kicks of at 7pm and will be exclusive Sanyuka Prime on StarTimes.