StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Tooro United v Vipers SC
Buhinga stadium | 4:30PM
After Vipers’ 34-match unbeaten run was halted, the team is hoping to avoid a different kind of run.
The Venoms will try to avoid back-to-back losses when they visit Tooro United on Tuesday in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League now that their streak is a thing of the past after a 1-3 home loss to SC Villa.
Coach Michael Nam Ouma demands that players show a positive attitude and character at Buhinga ground that has been hard to visit for many.
“They’re strong at home,” he said. “They fight and have good players but we are not going to fear them, there’s no doubt the boys must show character and pick positive results.”
Vipers played to a barren stalemate in the corresponding fixture at St Mary’s stadium in a game that got Mexican tactician Javier Martinez Espinoza leave the club later that evening.
The Venoms fired blanks, struggled to create chances and allowed the visitors to pick a point but going into this tie, Ouma’s charges must be more aggressive and clinical in the goal mouth.
Dan Sserunkuma has gone three games minus a goal and the pressure must be mounting on him hence urgent revival of his scoring form is needed to help lift his team.
There is a series of changes that are expected to be made in the starting lineup due to suspensions and injuries to some players.
Team News:
Rahmat Ssenfuka will have a chance again to start and play the holding role in the absence of the suspended Tadeo Lwanga.
Lwanga picked his sixth yellow card of the season during the defeat to Villa. And Ssenfuka is likely to play alongside either Tom Masiko or Ibrahim Tembo.
Geofrey Wasswa suffered an injury during last Friday’s training hence is unavailable but could return in time to play Kiboga Young in the Uganda Cup game or the next league encounter against Bright Stars FC at St Mary’s Stadium.
Yayo Lutimba was dropped following a poor display meaning U19 youngster captain Aziz Kayondo may make his Vipers debut if started at left back.
Ibrahim Kiyemba completed his suspension and returns after missing the ties against Nyamityobora FC and SC Villa.
Karim Niyizigimana will make his second appearance for the Venoms after joining on a free transfer from Gor Mahia in Kenya.
Derrick Ochan may start in goal ahead of Fabien Mutombora. The former’s last game was the 3-1 win away in Njeru over Bul FC.
Defender Asiku Bashir and forward Tito Okello were not named in the match day squad.
Brian Kalumba featured in the first leg against Tooro United and played over 60 minutes. It was his last league appearance for Vipers, however, the youthful forward has a chance to feature again if selected.
