Slightly over a year ago, Vipers SC trounced KCCA FC at Lugogo by 2-0 to end the then defending champions’ title defense. On Friday, the city lads will be seeking a revenge to maintain the nine point gap away from Vipers who hold the second spot. The first leg had ended 2-2.
When both sides met in the first round in September last year, KCCA FC threw away a two goal lead through Tom Masiko and Hakim Ssenkumba to allow Erisa Ssekisambu and a Farouk Miya penalty to restore respect for the champions.
Since then, Inspirational Miya has left the Kitende camp for greener pastures but KCCA have a bigger threat to deal with in Erisa Sekisambu who is on rampage scoring five goals in just two games, with fourteen overall.
Team news
KCCA FC’s sick bay is the most busy with six players including Sulaimon Akinyemi, Godfrey Ssembatya, Lawrence Kasadha, Herman Wasswa, Dan Isiagi and Hassan Wasswa Dazo all injured while buddying forward Nelson Senkatuka travelled out of the country.
However, coach Mutebi believes the return of defender Martin Mpuga, defensive midfielder Hakim Ssenkumba and striker Petit Wanok will fill the goals efficiently.
“We have lost two on the run, but that is a past now. The main aim is now to pick maximum points in our remaining games. All matches are equally important,” Mutebi said.
Vipers will only miss defender Musa Malunda due to injury while Bakaki Shafiq who played a part in SCVU win is fully available.
If selected for KCCA FC, Hakim Ssenkumba and Ceaser Okhuti will be facing their former side Vipers while Wadri in the Buikwe camp will turn against former paymasters.
“This game is crucial and am sure my boys know how important all the remaining games will be for us. We are not taking any chances and I trust the character of my players,” coach Simbwa stated even though he avoided to speak about his former club’s current ‘woes’.
Vipers midfield dynamo Keziron Kizito could also be up against his brother Kikonyogo.
Possible lineups:
KCCA FC: Benjamin Ochan, Dennis Okot, Timothy Awany,, Martin Mpuuga, Habib Kavuma, Mutyaba Muzamir, Ivan Ntege, Caesar Okhuti, Joseph Ochaya, Paul Mucureezi, Jackson Nunda
Vipers: Isma Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Shafik Bakaki, Deus Bukenya, Pius Wangi, Erisa Sekisambu, Halid Lwaliwa, ,Saddam Juma, Dan Birikwalira, Keziron Kizito,Mike Mutyaba.
Form Book.
KCCA- WDWLL
VIPERS-DWWLW
Head to head.
22nd Sep 15 Vipers 2-2 KCCA
24th Apr 15 KCCA 0-2 Vipers
21st Oct 14 Vipers 2-2 KCCA
15th Apr 14 KCCA 2-1 Vipers
08th Oct 13 Vipers 2-1 KCCA
01st Mar 13 KCCA 1-0 Vipers