*By John Kusolo*
The Startimes Uganda Premier League rolls into Match Day 6 with an exciting encounter between UPDF FC and URA FC at the Bombo Barracks Ground on Thursday, 24th October 2024, at 4:00 PM. Both sides are aiming to make a mark as the season progresses, with URA FC looking to recover from a recent setback, while UPDF FC hopes to extend their steady form at home.
UPDF FC, currently in 5th place with 8 points, have been one of the standout defensive units in the league. After five matches, they have only conceded 2 goals, showcasing a strong defensive setup led by the experienced Bernard Muwanga and Aggrey Kiirya. Their record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss sees them sitting just above URA FC on the table. The army side will rely on their defensive stability as they seek their third win of the season in front of their home crowd. Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw, underlined their resilience and determination, and coach Paul Kiwanuka has called for consistency from his players going into this pivotal tie.
URA FC, sitting 7th on the table with 7 points, are coming off a disappointing 1-0 home loss to Bul FC and will be eager to return to winning ways. Coach Alex Isabirye's side has been inconsistent, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Despite scoring 6 goals this season, URA FC’s defensive lapses have cost them valuable points, having conceded 3 goals so far. The Tax Collectors are keen to put that behind them, and this fixture presents an opportunity for them to bounce back.
Coach Isabirye will be pleased with the return of young talents Abdu Magada, John Innocent Kisolo, Denis Kisiriko, and Godfrey Sekibengo, who are back from national duty with Uganda’s U20 (Hippos) team. Their presence will add energy and depth to the squad. However, the team will miss the experienced Hudu Mulikyi, who is being rested due to fatigue, and Isma Mugulusi, who is sidelined with an injury.
URA FC has historically dominated this fixture, winning 6 of the last 10 meetings between the two teams, with UPDF FC managing just 1 victory and the remaining 3 games ending in draws. The most recent encounter at the Bombo Barracks Ground last season ended in a 0-0 draw on Match Day 1, a match that saw both sides cancel each other out in a tightly contested affair. URA FC will be hoping to continue their dominance, while UPDF FC will seek to break the trend and secure a vital home win.
UPDF FC is expected to maintain their defensive solidity, with goalkeeper Richard Anyama likely starting between the posts. Bernard Muwanga will lead the backline, alongside Kawagu Christopher and Tebandeke Christopher. In attack, they will rely on the sharpness of Faridi Rashid and Samuel Ssekamatte to unlock URA’s defense.
For URA FC, despite the absence of Mulikyi and Mugulusi, coach Isabirye has a strong squad at his disposal. Denis Otim is set to start in goal, while Enoch Walusimbi and Vuni Bright Joseph will anchor the defense. Forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who will be facing his former club, is expected to lead the attack, with support from Bruno Bunyaga and Abraham Tusubira.
Probable Lineups:
UPDF FC: Richard Anyama (GK), Kawagu Christopher, Tebandeke Christopher, Bernard Muwanga, Aggrey Kiirya, Ronald Kayondo, Mugisa Frank, Bashir Kabuye, Ochen Emmanuel Manu, Samuel Ssekamatte, Faridi Rashid.
URA FC: Denis Otim (GK), James Begesa, Vuni Bright Joseph, Amisi Bwangani, Enoch Walusimbi, Joshua Lubwama, Norman Namanya, Abraham Tusubira, Bruno Bunyaga, Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
Both teams come into this fixture with different tactical approaches. UPDF FC, under coach Paul Kiwanuka, will focus on their defensive resilience and look to frustrate URA FC by sitting back and hitting on the counter. Their ability to keep things tight at the back while being clinical up front has worked well so far, as evidenced by their ability to win games despite scoring only 3 goals in 5 matches.
URA FC, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. Their attacking trio of Ahimbisibwe, Bunyaga, and Tusubira will look to break down UPDF's organized defense. However, with URA FC's defense showing occasional vulnerabilities this season, they will need to remain compact and disciplined at the back to avoid being caught on the counter.
For UPDF FC, captain Bernard Muwanga will be key in marshalling the defense, while Faridi Rashid and Samuel Ssekamatte will carry the team’s attacking hopes.
For URA FC, forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who will be motivated to perform against his former team, is one to watch. His ability to find the back of the net, coupled with the creativity of Norman Namanya in midfield, could prove decisive.
Form Guide (Last Five Matches)
UPDF FC: D-W-L-W-D
URA FC: L-W-D-W-L
Both teams will be aiming for maximum points in this encounter, with UPDF FC looking to continue their strong start to the season, while URA FC are keen to regain their footing after the loss to Bul FC. The match promises to be a fascinating contest, with UPDF's defensive solidity coming up against URA's attacking prowess. Whichever team comes out on top will have a significant boost in confidence as the league enters a crucial phase.
Kick-off is at 4:00 PM, and all eyes will be on Bombo Barracks Ground to see which team can secure the vital three points.
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