Police FC will host Vipers SC today at Kavumba Recreation Grounds in Wakiso District, in a crucial Uganda Premier League match that could influence the title race.
Vipers top the standings with 42 points, three above second placed NEC. Police FC is 13th with 20 points from 18 matches.
Vipers are in outstanding form, having won all six of their recent league games, scoring 11 goals and, remarkably, keeping a clean sheet in each game.
Head-to-Head Record:
In their previous 20 meetings, Vipers have dominated, winning 13 times and three stalements, while Police has managed four victories.
Given Vipers’ current form and historical dominance, they enter this match as strong favorites. However, Police FC, playing at home, will aim to defy expectations and impact the title race more especially that Cop lost the first-round encounter 2-1 at St Mary’ stadium, Kitende.
Police have shown a habit of frustrating title contenders this season. In their last home game against NEC last month, they dramatically salvaged a point with a stoppage-time equalizer from Emmanuel Mugume, canceling out Cromwell Rwothomio’s first-half goal for NEC. Earlier in the first round, Police also held NEC to a goalless draw at Philip Omondi Stadium, marking the first time NEC had dropped points at home.
Vipers are in excellent form across all competitions, and much of their success has been driven by Allan Okello, who has netted 14 league goals, making him the top scorer in the league. With Okello in such fine form, Vipers come into today’s encounter against Police FC as the favorites. However, Police are expected to put up a strong fight, particularly with their recent history of troubling top teams.
Isaac Ogwang, a January signing for Vipers from Police, could face his former club today, provided he is cleared fit by the medical team. Ogwang’s departure left a gap for Police, as they struggled to replace his contributions, having scored six goals for Police in the first round before making the move to Kitende.
Vipers coach Fred Muhumuza knows the task won’t be easy but he has called his players to live up to their expectations.
“Its going to be another tricky tie against Police FC. We didn’t have the easiest of games against Mbarara City FC. It was a tricky one, remember we had played them after like a week then played them again in the League,” noted Muhumuza.
“We created so many chances and those are positives we can build on. So, different game with quite different challenges. The boys are ready and in a good mood. We need to get maximum points in Kavumba though it’s not the easiest of places to visit but we are hopeful”
