Kenneth MUKISA
Express FC host Sudanese champions Al Merreikh in the first round of the preliminary stage of the CAF champions league.
The battle ground is set to be stage at St. Mary’s stadium Kitende.
This will not be the first time El Merreikh are setting foot in Uganda, in their latest visit, they were beaten 1-0 by Vipers SC at the same venue.
Express were handed a huge platform when they competed and won the CECAFA Kagame cup last month. The competition provided them with a big opportunity to taste cross boarder football which will be vital to their game approach against one of Africa’s best.
Al Merreikh are very familiar to the CAF champions league, having been part of the competition 28 times and most recently in 2015, they reached the semi final stage.
Their counterparts on the other hand last appeared in 1994.
Express FC head coach Wasswa Bbosa confirmed yesterday to the media that he has a fully fit squad at his disposal, wingman Godfrey Lwesibawa has made a timely return to fitness and he is expected to play a key role. His pace, trickery and directness will.be match needed by the Red Eagels if they are to unlock Al Merreikh.
It has been reported that coach Antonio Garzito will be without the trio of Ramadhan Ahab, Bakhit Khamis and Seif Terry.
Today’s encounter will be the sixth meeting between the two sides with Al Merreikh taking a lion’s share of wins with four against Express’s one and a stalemate.
More Stories
AFCON U-17; Somalia to dine with the big boys for thee first time
ASEC Mimosas hold Monastir in thee first leg of CCC
Cameroon targets AFCON U-17 glory