StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Friday 25th, January 2019
URA FC vs Vipers SC
Namboole Stadium | 4PM
After another breathless weekend of CAF Confederation Cup action, focus is required tomorrow as Vipers visit URA FC at Mandela national stadium looking for a win in the quest to catch up with KCCA at the first round climax.
While Vipers have had a better start to the league this season, their encounter against URA is the real test for the former as the tax collectors have in most times gotten the better of them.
Michael Nam Ouma’s team therefore cannot afford any slip up in the remaining two league matches and victory against the tax collectors is paramount, in what promises to be a cracker regardless of URA’s unpredictable status this season.
The continental elimination last weekend was deeply frustrating but this is the time for Vipers to put away any lingering doubts about the squad potential with a crucial win over one of our bogey sides.
In the previous 26 meetings, Vipers has won 5, drawn 10 and lost 11 times scoring 25 goals conceding 33 in the process.
Last meeting: URA 0-1 Vipers
Despite the fixture against URA being seen as a bogey encounter for the Venoms, we actually won 1-0 on our last visit to the same ground through Erisa Ssekisambu’s well taken penalty hence it sums up what a game against the tax collectors entails and Vipers will have to play well for a win.
Team News:
Alterations to the starting lineup that lost to CS Sfaxien are expected, with both Yayo Lutimba and Kenyan import Innocent Wafula certain to return to the team line up.
Bashir Ssekagya remains a long term absentee and whether he will feature again during this season, remains to be seen. However there is no cause to worry due to the full recovery of Fabien Mutombora who already has three matches under his belt since his return from injury.
Bashir Asiku is an option to start after returning from suspension however, apart from the left back position, the defence might remain intact with Livingstone Mulondo partnering Halid Lwaliwa in the central pack as Ibrahim Kiyemba continues at right back.
Rahmat Senfuka, Tom Masiko and Brian Nkuubi are all available for selection if the coach decides to make changes in his midfield as he looks to avoid a burnout since second round takes off immediately without a rest for the lads.
Last 5 matches away to URA FC
2017/18: URA 1-0 Vipers
2016/17: URA 1-1 Vipers
2015/16: URA 3-2 Vipers
2014/15: URA 2-2 Vipers
2013/14: URA 0-0 Vipers
Form
URA FC – Last 5 league results
- Lost 1-0 to KCCA
- Drew 1-1 with Kiriinya
- Won 3-1 against Onduparaka
- Won 2-0 away to Brightstars
- Drew 1-1 with Mbarara City
Vipers SC – Last 5 league results
- Won 3-0 versus Onduparaka
- Drew 0-0 with Brightstars
- Drew 0-0 against Tooro United
- Beat BUL 3-1 at Njeru
- Won 1-0 over Police
Do you know?
If URA FC beat Vipers SC it will be Coach Sam Ssimbwa’s first ever win over the Venoms throughout his entire career? He has never managed a team to victory against the three time league champions.
Coach’s view:
Speaking to the club media at Kitende today, Micheal Ouma emphasised the importance of tomorrow’s fixture.
“It will not be an easy game for us but we are going to play and fight for victory to keep the title chase realistic” he stated.