URA FC will be aiming to continue their steady climb in the Uganda Premier League when they host Lugazi FC at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo today, although the Tax Collectors will have to cope without one of their key attacking options.
Forward Fred Amaku will sit out the contest after accumulating his third yellow card of the season during URA’s recent encounter with Entebbe UPPC FC, where he was cautioned following a challenge on Arnold Odong.
URA will also be missing several players through injury. Goalkeeper Abdul Magada, defender Arthur Kiggundu, and midfielder George Masembe are all ruled out, leaving coach Hussein Mbalangu with limited options in some areas of the pitch.
Despite the absences, URA head into the fixture in encouraging form. The side has not tasted defeat in their last six league matches, a run that began after a heavy loss to Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium in January. Since then, the Tax Collectors have gradually rebuilt momentum under Mbalangu.
The coach remains confident that his players are prepared for the challenge, though he expects a determined Lugazi side eager to collect points. He noted that the team is motivated by their recent performances, particularly their victory over Mbarara City FC at Nakivubo, which marked their first win since his appointment, before they settled for a draw against Entebbe UPPC in their most recent outing.
When the two teams met earlier in the season at Najjembe last October, neither side managed to break the deadlock as the match ended in a goalless stalemate. With both teams now seeking valuable points, today’s clash in Kampala promises to be a tightly contested affair.
Sounds like a crucial match for URA, hopefully they can maintain their form.