MATCH PREVIEW: EXPRESS FC VS BUL FC.

Saturday May 7, 2022

Uganda Premier League

Kick off: 4PM

The Eastern Giants make the near 52 mile trip to Express for the Uganda Premier League clash at Mutesa II stadium on Saturday.

After a barren stalemate with Onduparaka the last time out, BUL FC will look to trace back their winning rails against this mid-table side.

And not lacking motivation, Alex Isabirye’s side will be hungry to exact some revenge after a frustrating home defeat earlier in the season against the Wankulukuku outfit.

However, Express can be buoyed by their strong home form this season having won five, drawn six and lost just twice in 13 league matches at Wankulukuku.

But their task against BUL will be difficult as the Eastern Giants have enjoyed a good run of form – with an overall record of twelve wins, ten draws and five losses from 27 league games to sit in fourth place with 46 points.

Express can only be good for the sixth place on 42 points after the same round of games as their visitors.

Since 2011, the two sides are meeting for the 19th time in all competitions.

Team News

Defender Lawrence Kasadha will be unavailable after sustaining a knee injury in our last game.

Goalkeeper Saidi Keni is continuing his recovery from his knee injury, whilst Jerome Kirya is out on suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards.

Returning is center back Douglas Muganga after serving his suspension.

What they said:

Assistant coach – James Magala

I am excited we are playing against Express, a team I played for and enjoyed representing but playing against them as a coach is different because this is a job.

We are going there with an objective of winning because everyone knows we need the three points.

They are a good team and we respect them, but we are well prepared to earn the three points.

The boys are are in good conditions and ready to win the game.

Ambrose Kirya

After the draw with Onduparaka, our focus is so much on that Express match. The attitude and character of the boys is too high and we are very ready for the engagement.

Last time out

April 30, 2022

BUL FC 0-0 Onduparaka

The Eastern Giants and Onduparaka drew blanks at Kyabazinga stadium in a game that saw few scoring chances. Jerome Kirya, Karim Ndgwa and Simon Peter Oketch came close but Michael Kagiri in the Caterpillars goal denied them. While at the other end, Emmanuel Oketch and Rashid Yakin had their efforts frustrated by Emmanuel Kalyowa for BUL FC as both teams shared the points.

Head to Head

This fixture has provided 18 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, five Express FC victories and five draws.

Previous Meeting

October 26, 2021

BUL FC 0-1 Express FC

Mahad Kakooza was the hero for Express as his 53rd minute goal gifted the Red Eagles their first victory of the season on our first face off in October last year.

The midfielder connected to Martin Kizza’s delivery from the left flank to guide the ball beyond Saidi Keni in our goal.

Musa Esenu missed a chance on 12 minutes and Dickson Nuwamanya rattled the crossbar deep in the added minutes after the regular 90 for Express to match away with all the three points.

Last Four Meetings

October 26, 2021

BUL FC 0-1 Express

September 23, 2021

BUL FC 1-0 Express FC (Uganda Cup)

February 20, 2021

BUL FC 0-4 Express FC

August 30, 2019

BUL FC 1-0 Express FC

Match Facts

BUL FC have won four, drawn six and lost three games from 13 away league matches this campaign.

The Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their past eight matches across all competions – winning and drawing four apiece.

They are also unbeaten in their last three away league matches, scoring four and conceding just two across them.

Isabirye’s men have also lost just once in their past six away matches although they count one win only from those trips.

Overall, Express have lost just two home league games in 13 matches this season, winning five and drawing six.

But the Red Eagles have won one game only in their past six matches (Express 2-1 Police in March).

They have conceded in each of their last six games, swallowing a total of nine goals to that effect.

However, James Odoch’s men have won their previous two league meetings with the Eastern Giants.

Match officials

Kimayo Stephen will be the man in the center, with Friday Noah and Atusinguza Robson his first and second assistant referee respectively. Kasalirwe Lucky will serve as the fourth official while Nsubuga Faisal will be the referee assessor.

How to follow the game

The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:

Facebook page – BUL Football Club-Jinja

Twitter – @bulfc1

Instagram – bulfc1