Under the floodlights of Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, at 7 PM, Express FC and Wakiso Giants face off in a pivotal Uganda Premier League showdown with significant stakes for both sides. Express are looking to bounce back from a difficult start to the second round and push into the league’s top five, while Wakiso Giants are fighting to escape the relegation zone. With both teams still searching for their first win in the second half of the season, tonight’s clash could prove decisive.
The Red Eagles started the season with promise, but back-to-back losses against BUL and SC Villa have derailed their momentum. They had built solid form before the mid-season break, yet their post-restart struggles have raised concerns about their ability to maintain a strong finish. A victory tonight would not only reignite their campaign but also edge them closer to the leading pack. History favors Express, who have never lost a home league game to Wakiso Giants, a record they will be eager to maintain.
The Purple Sharks are in the thick of a relegation battle, with time running out to turn their season around. A hard-fought draw against SC Villa offered a glimmer of hope, but a subsequent loss to Lugazi was a painful setback. Encouragingly, results elsewhere have kept them within touching distance of safety, but they must seize this opportunity. A win at Nakivubo would not only mark their first-ever away victory over Express but also provide a crucial boost in their survival bid.
Express will be without the suspended duo of Emmanuel Alex Wasswa and Ashraf Mbaziira, while injuries have ruled out Derrick Ngoobi, Steven Senfuma, and Geoffrey Gagganga. Wakiso Giants, meanwhile, welcome back defender Marvin Mukiibi and striker Marvin Oshaba, but will miss Alex Komakech, Herbert Asiimwe, Shaibu Mtiita, and Isaac Mtengwa. Striker Hudson Mbalire remains doubtful, while midfielder Samuel Nsubuga is on leave due to family reasons.
The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw, with Express dominating possession but failing to break down a resilient Wakiso Giants defense. Past encounters between the two have often been tightly contested, and with both teams struggling for form, tonight’s match is likely to be another closely fought battle. For Express, this is a chance to reaffirm their top-five ambitions. For Wakiso Giants, it is about survival. Under the Nakivubo floodlights, redemption is on the line.
