Their league form suggests that they are rubbish. They are barely a threat in front of goal; no wonder their opponents are not quaking in their boots.
Welcome to the nasty world of Uganda's CAF representatives. In the Champions League, URA was hammered 0-2 at Namboole by Zambian champions ZESCO. "It's goodnight to URA," ZESCO coach Wedson Nyiremba said. "They can't bounce back in Zambia because we're going to attack them down their throats and deny them any breathing space."
Express take a slender 1-0 lead to Burundi as they face-off with Inter Stars in the Confederation Cup. It will no doubt be no walk in the park for URA and Express this weekend when they play out their CAF fixtures. But should they be that scared?
Player psychology
Well, a lot seems to suggest that both Express and URA should be scared. Confusion is rife in their respective camps. URA has suspended their key players; striker Ismail Kigozi and bench goalkeeper Mulindwa Muwonge for the return leg.
Express is no better off. Key defender Omar Hitimana has gone missing, apparently his wife is sick for the umpteenth time. Add to that the absence of defender Francis Gonzaga who quit, winger Joseph Kabagambe who is ineligible, and midfield schemer Morley Byekwaso who is doubtful due to illness.
But Express coach Jimmy Muguwa remains bullish. "Why should we be scared when we've a lead? We let the players speak about why they're struggling in the league and it's just form, which means they've to work hard in training. It's not true that they're unhappy in any way."
Phillip Ssozi insists that "by hook or crook" Express has to win.
What about URA?
Tactics
Mike Mutebi, the technical director of Maroons FC, says it will be an uphill task for URA but not impossible if the natural things are done. "It's sad to note that Uganda has no proficient strikers. It's the only way you can win a game and you feel for Anyau because he can't invent one over-night." Mutebi said that URA has nothing to lose now but must possess the ball with purpose. "In the first leg, they tried to break ZESCO through the middle but they must use their width to stretch the Zambians and then shoot at goal often. URA should also have composure in front of goal to bury chances."
Mutebi says things are "still evenly poised" despite Express taking a lead to Burundi. But he hastens to add that the momentum will be with Express as the Burundians aren't technically gifted. All Express has to do, Mutebi says, is to "hide the ball away from their opponents the way Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and Milan do."
In this case, a midfield of Byekwaso, Kasawuli, Ssozi, Godfrey Kavulu, Charles Katamba and Imam Kinene would be ideal in a 4-5-1 system because they're skillful and hardworking. Ssozi, Kasawuli and Byekwaso can support the attack too. Hamza Ssemwogerere could be benched because he lacks the work-rate needed away while Katamba must be cautioned against receiving the ball and then turning to his goal
The threat URA must contend with is Elson Mkandawire, that fast, strong and skilful striker who pierced in a fierce header to give ZESCO a lead. Mkandawire's strike partner, Nicholas Zulu, scorer of the second goal possesses almost similar attributes.
If URA manages to have Enock Sakala (who's deputising for star Rainford Kalaba) in their pocket then a win could be in touching distance. Kunda Mushota and Chalwe Kabamba in central defense are good man-markers and domineering in the air, it's important to shoot from outside the area. That is where the trio of Dan Obote, Joram Katende and Eric Obua could come in handy. All three are good strikers of the ball.
Inter-Stars' played a 3-5-2 system here but Express still over-ran their midfield. Their keeper, Raphael Buchumi seemed suspect and a good shooter should catch him unawares.
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