Tuesday Fixtures
NEC FC Vs Lugazi FC, 3pm – Lugogo
KCCA FC Vs Onduparaka FC, 7pm – Lugogo
The Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 16 continues this afternoon as NEC FC host Uganda Premier League side Lugazi FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
NEC FC advanced to this stage after eliminating UPDF FC, while Lugazi FC progressed by knocking out Police FC.
This season, NEC completed a league double over Lugazi and will look to capitalize on home advantage to replicate that performance in the cup competition.
However, Lugazi demonstrated their resilience by securing an away victory against top-flight opposition to reach this stage and remain capable of upsetting NEC.
In the last four meetings between the two sides, there has not been a single draw. NEC have won three matches, while Lugazi have claimed one victory.
What the coaches said:
Simon Peter Mugerwa, Lugazi FC:
“We have to win the game to show that we have learned from our previous mistakes. A victory will lift our spirits heading into the international break and help us bounce back in the league. We want to perform well in this competition, and we will go all out for the win.”
Badru Kaddu, NEC FC:
“We will assemble a strong squad with the aim of progressing to the next round. It is a tough knockout match, so we must make the most of every opportunity. Our goal is to achieve our best-ever finish, which means winning the title and qualifying for continental football.”
As this is a knockout fixture, both teams are expected to field their strongest possible line-ups in pursuit of a place in the quarterfinals.
Lugazi FC will be without Edrine Owachgiu Junior and Umar Kyabatala.
For NEC FC, Emmanuel Ajo, Jonathan Oluka, Joseph Dhata, and Jacob Okao remain sidelined, while Pius Obuya is doubtful.
However, Hudson Mbalire and Joseph Seremba have returned from injury and are available for selection.
Later in the evening at 7pm, KCCA FC will host FUFA Big League side Onduparaka FC at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Happy Boys Kagaba have already secured a place in the quarterfinals after defeating Six O’clock FC on penalties on Monday.
