StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Tomoorow (March 27)
Vipers SC Vs Maroons FC
St Mary’s Stadium | 4pm
Vipers will be aiming to hit straight back from its disappointing Uganda Cup exit with a victory against Maroons FC when they host them on Wednesday evening at the St Mary’s stadium.
Having lost 2-1 away to Proline in the Uganda cup quarter finals two weeks back, Michael Nam Ouma’s side turn their focus on the only competition they remain with some hope for silverware as the Startimes Uganda Premier League approaches its final bend.
The Venoms lie second on the league standings four points behind leaders KCCA FC thus nothing but three points can keep the momentum on the pacesetters however, Maroons are also not safe from relegation making this tie an interesting one.
Vipers have won just two of their last 5 league matches with a not so good performances leaving the club fans quite disappointed therefore its a do or die encounter.
During the first round fixture in Luzira, Vipers came from a goal down to win it 2-1 courtesy of Moses Waiswa and Davis Kasirye’s goals but we wait to see if the reigning champions can complete a double over the prison warders.
The Opposition:
Maroons top flight league journey, is a tale of on and off affair as they keep getting demoted only to fight and bounce back whenever required, interestingly, its the same situation being experienced as of now lying only two places above the relegation zone.
They are currently occupying 12th position on the table log with 25 points out of 23 matches having scored fewer goals than those conceded making it a -5 goal difference which is quite difficult times for them hence will be dangerous opponents fighting for own survival.
The visitors come into this fixture on the back of a crucial 1-0 win over Brightstars while Vipers suffered a serious setback away in Luweero falling 2-1 to relegation strugglers in Ndejje University.
Team News:
Michael Nam Ouma is expected to ring some changes in tomorrow’s starting lineup as he tries to rotate his charges bringing in fresh legs to the side.
Tadeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa and Halid Lwaliwa who were part of the Cranes team Tanzania clobbered 3-0 over the weekend, may return to the fold if the coach deems them fit to start.
Defender Bashir Asiku together with Tito Okello will be unavailable for this game as they serve suspensions due to accumulated cards.
Hardfighting Livingstone Mulondo who has been sidelined for some time resumed training with the rest of his teammates however, this fixture comes too early for him thus he is being earmarked for a return against KCCA FC on 4th April.
Yayo Lutimba has been impressive on all the friendly games played during the international break thus will be part of the match day squad ready to step in if selected.
Fabien Mutombora is away in Burundi for national duty therefore Derrick Ochan will start in goal with Vipers U-19 goal keeper Mitwalib Mugolofa as his deputy.
Geoffrey Wasswa and Bashir Ssekagya remain long term absentees with knee lnjuries as their return dates are yet to be known.
Last meeting at Kitende:
Vipers 1-1 Maroons
The corresponding fixture at St Marys stadium ended in a 1-1 draw after Yayo Lutimba cancelled out Solomon Walusimbi’s well struck strike in a match which was officiated by Referee Uthman Wasswa.
Past 5 meetings at Vipers home:
2007/08 Vipers 1-1 Maroons
2010/11 Vipers 1-0 Maroons
2011/12 Vipers 1-0 Maroons
2015/16 Vipers 1-0 Maroons
2017/18 Vipers 1-1 Maroons
Overall meetings:
Meetings : 11
Vipers wins : 7
Draws: 4
Goals for: 12
Against: 5
Points: 25
Form
Vipers last 5 league matches
Lost 2-1 to Ndejje University
Won 2-0 against Express
Drew 0-0 with Onduparaka
Beat Brightstars 3-0
Drew 1-1 with Tooro United
Maroons last 5 league matches:
Beat Brightstars 1-0
Lost 2-1 away to Onduparaka
Thumped Paidha Black Angels 3-0
Drew 1-1 against Express
Lost 1-0 to Ndejje University
Ouma’s view:
“Its a game we are expected to win therefore we must play to our expectations and standards to get the required results”.
SUCCESS VENOMS