Lugazi FC will be bidding to reclaim second place in the BetPawa Big League when they host Kataka FC at the Lugazi FC stadium in Najjembe on Sunday.
While Lugazi suffered a setback with their 1-0 defeat at Onduparaka, Kataka picked up a 1-1 draw against Kaaro Karungi to take them second on the standing, a point above the Leaders who are third.
The encounter in the picturesque background of Mabira Forest therefore is not just a regular match but a significant battle in the promotion race, making it a must-win for both sides.
Lugazi can draw confidence from their 2-1 victory over their visitors this weekend earlier in the season at the Mbale Municipal Stadium, thanks to Sam Ssemugugu’s impressive double.
However, Lugazi has had a rocky start to 2024, with only two wins out of eight games since January. Scoring has been a particular concern, as the team has struggled to find the back of the net with consistency.
Lugazi have not won by a two goal margin since defeating Jinja North 2-0 in December 2023.
Since the turn of the year, Lugazi has scored more than one goal in a game once, in their 2-1 home win over Kiyinda Boys a fortnight ago.
But to interim coach Gerard Efiti, that is another hurdle they need to conquer to prove their credentials as a side challenging for promotion.
“It is quite an important game for us, because our ambition is clear, we want to gain promotion,” he told the club media.
“We know it jhas been hard for the last games, but I want to provide assuramces that we are working to rectify some of our short comings.”
“We have not been near the level in front of goal, but we have worked on that in the days leading up to this level, and I want to promise that the goals will com eventually,” he added.
“So I want to employ our fans to come in full voice, and be behind us as we go to battle against Kataka who are also in the race with us. We want to get a good result because we know what it means to our season,” Efiti continued.
Lugazi will continue to miss the services of their captain, Savio Kabugo, who is sidelined due to a shin injury.
Andrew Odongo remains among the long-term absentees, as he continues his rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury that affected his cartilage
Goalkeeper Abraham Opio is the other long-term presence on the Leaders’ injury list, with the shot stopper ruled out for several months with an anterior cruciate ligament.
Should Lugazi get victory over their visitors, they will become the third side that they have collected maximum points against this season.
The Leaders have completed home and away victories over Calvary FC and Kiyinda Boys this season.
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