We need to avoid complacency - Express boss Bossa

Optimistic: Express FC coach Wasswa Bbosa. /JOHN BATANUDDE

What you need to know:

  • According to Bbosa, the Sudanese will fall if the Red Eagles exude calm and avoid complacency.

Before flying out to Sudan last night, Express’ recovery session at Wankulukuku was punctuated with emphasis on attacking tips and patterns.

Assistant coach James Odoch believes for the Red Eagles to make it on the next round of the Caf Champions League in Khartoum on Friday, they must labour to bulge the 2-1 slender goal cushion before sitting back to see out the tie.

“We have planned to attack in the first moments and get that vital away goal. Then we shall revert to keeping the lead to progress,” Odoch says.

“We believe it is mission possible because we have all players available.

Odoch commanded the touchline in head coach Wasswa Bbosa’s absence at St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende last Friday, revealed.

He hinted at maintaining the core of the first XI team that largely kept the visitors in check at home.

“The three forwards - Eric Kambale, Godfrey Lwesibawa and Martin Kizza - executed the game plan well and troubled the Merrikh defence. We plan to unleash them again if everything stays the same,” Odoch vows. 

Kizza and Kambale should have scored more than the goal they each managed had they been clinical.
They were supported by the midfield trio of Muzamir Mutyaba, Mahad Yaya Kakooza and Daniel Shabene.

The two new midfield acquisitions of Deus Bukenya and Nicholas Kasozi are yet to be cleared to play for the reigning Uganda Premier League and Cecafa Kagame Cup champions.

Inside knowledge
According to Bbosa, the Sudanese will fall if the Red Eagles exude calm and avoid complacency.

“Our research shows Merrikh don’t perform well at home and are now restless since they didn’t do well in Kampala,” Bbosa says. “We are going to stifle them in the midfield to freeze their main engine.”

The winner of this tie will advance to the second round to face either Akonangui (Equatorial Guinea) or Zanaco (Zambia) for a place in the lucrative group stages.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE- Friday 9pm 

Al Merrikh (1)     Vs     Express (2)