Express Vs NEC: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and Stats

Thursday, October 3
*Kitara Vs Police – Hoima, 4pm
*Express Vs NEC – Nakivubo, 7pm

Team News

• Express will continue to miss forward Sam Ssenyonjo who is sidelined with an injury
• New signing Richard Basangwa may make his debut
• For NEC, Shamir Kimwero set for season debut while Gideon Odong, Muzamir Mutyaba and Patrick Bayiga are back to full fitness
• Joseph Dhata, Ibrahim Thembo and Gaddafi Wahab are injured

Probable Lineups

NEC – Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Geriga Atendele, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Barni Tah Kelvin, Isma Kawawulo, Jacob Okao, Muzamir Mutyaba, Enock Ssebagala, James Jarieko, Cromwell Rwothomio, Rashid Okocha

Express – Micheal Kagiri, Derrick Ngoobi, Joseph Zziwa, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Geofrey Gagganga, Abdulahi Rashid, Mustafa Kizza, Charles Ssembalirwa, Saidi Kyeyune, Isa Muzeeyi Lumu, John Asiimwe

Preview: Express hope to stop NEC

Express FC will be aiming for a positive outcome when they host NEC FC at Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday night under the floodlights in a league encounter.

Express, who won their opener against Mbale Heroes, suffered a defeat to Vipers in their second game and then settled for a goalless draw with Maroons.

Despite the mixed results, their overall performances across the first three matches have been underwhelming, prompting some fans to call for coach Baker Mbowa’s departure.

Hopes were raised with the signings of Mustafa Kizza and Saidi Kyeyune before the start of the campaign, but their contributions have yet to translate into improved performances on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Sam Ssenyonjo, who starred in the win over Mbale Heroes, missed the Maroons clash and remains sidelined.

The recent addition of Uganda Cranes winger Richard Basangwa has been met with optimism, though it remains to be seen if the dynamic winger can hit top form early in the season.

NEC, led by coach Hussein Mbalangu, have had a flawless start, winning all three of their matches against Kitara, Vipers, and UPDF.

Mbalangu is supported by former Express coach James Odoch, and the NEC squad features former Express players Muzamir Mutyaba, Enock Ssebagala, and Isma Kawawulo.

Head to Head

2024/25
Express Vs NEC

2023/24
Express 1-2 NEC
NEC 2-5 Express