Uganda Cup: Sim Confident Express Will Reach First Final In 12 Years

May 7, 2019
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Featured Image: Coach George Ssemwogerere speaking in a presser. Courtesy photo

Thursday, May 9
Express FC Vs Bright Stars, 3:00 PM
(Betway Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku)

Express FC coach George ‘Sim’ Ssemwogerere is positive that he will oust Bright Stars in the semifinals of the 2018/19 Stanbic Uganda Cup.

This will be the second leg after the duel in Mwererwe ended one all – Nelson Ssenkatuka’s penalty, two minutes after Michael Birungi had given Express the lead, gave Bright Stars hope ahead of the second leg on May 9 in Wankulukuku.

The Red Eagles failed to capitalise on a numerical advantage when the hosts’ Andrew Kaggwa was sent off for a rough tackle on Arthur Kiggundu as Bright Stars played with ten men for about the last 20 minutes of the game.

Nelson Ssenkatuka at Mwererwe in the first leg. Bright Stars photo

The fixture also comes few days after these teams clashed in the league with Express winning 3-1. Debutant Sadiq Ssekyembe contributed an hat-trick of assists with Ibrahim Kayiwa, Ivan Ocholit and Tony Odur at the receiving end.

Bright Stars brought one back courtesy of an own goal from defender Hamisi Batega but that was only they managed to offer on the day.

“I have already sampled them in the league,” Sim threw a jibe at Bright Stars. “They will be coming with fear after what happened in the league, and we will capitalise on that to reach the finals. Am very confident.”

League action between Express and Bright Stars at Wankulukuku.

Express FC eliminated Paidha (Walk Over), Water, Police FC and BUL FC enroute to the semis. Bright Stars on the hand, expelled Kazo Excel, Bumate, URA FC and Nebbi Central.

Express will need to at least draw goalless to book their ticket to the finals which is set in Masaka Recreation grounds while a two or more goal draw will be an advantage for the visitors. The winner takes it all but a one all draw sends the game to shootouts.

Bright Stars will have hope in Nelson Ssenkatuka who scored give goals in the last day of the league against Paidha Black Angels.

Express will have a rested squad after the team fielded a weak side in their last league game against Onduparaka in Arua on Saturday, a game which Coach Sim did not attend.

Express are the record winners of the Uganda Cup, sharing the honour with KCCA on ten titles. Bright Stars are playing in their first semifinals.