By Shafic Kiyaga
Nyamityobora FC visit Uganda Revenue Authority on Friday, having failed to keep a clean sheet since gaining promotion.
URA meanwhile have conceded just once and are unbeaten in this season’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
James Odoch’s charges lie second from the bottom of the 16-team league and lost their last game at home to Police FC 1-2.
They have also struggled to win on the road but there was a sense of good fortune about their win against rivals Mbarara City and should have collected all three points when they threw away a two-goal lead against Bright Stars.
On Friday at Namboole, Odoch will privately acknowledge that any points against their hosts will be a bonus.
Sam Ssimbwa’s URA don’t look far from the finished article and they may not be for most part of the season but spirited displays especially at the back should provide reasons for optimism going forward.
There are still concerns regarding their attacking play which has yielded just four goals in five games but there should be a level of understanding for the quality which has been present in their attacks.
A sense of realism should not cover cracks still showing in what is sometimes a disjointed formation, but a win would give Ssimbwa and URA a platform to build on in their quest for an elusive second title.
Peter Lwasa, Shafic Kagimu, Mathew Odong and Saidi Kyeyune have yet to make much of an impact in the final third but the way they create chances bodes well for the future. And for now, the team is improving on game by game basis.
Ssimbwa has confirmed that Vitalis Tabu is back in contention for Friday’s fixture after playing with a fever last time during their goalless draw against SC Villa, but youngster Ogera could be given a start in attack. James Alitho is expected to keep his place between the sticks
Friday’s meeting will represent the first ever meeting between these two clubs in a competitive match.
However, URA head into the match having not suffered defeat in the league this season in five games while Nyamityobora have only won once in the same number of games.
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