Victory Over Al Merrikh

Express FC announced their return to the CAF Champions League scene after 24 years with a 2-1 win over Al Merrikh in the preliminary round first leg at the St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende on Friday 10th September.

Erick Kambale and Martin Kizza scored the goals in either half with Bakri Abd Elgadir getting the away goal for the visitors.

Al Merrikh started off well doing the usual of possessing the ball more but failed to penetrate the final third but Express FC kept pushing and get the break in after 7 minutes.

Martin Kizza won an aerial challenge before the ball found an incoming Erick Kambale on the left, the lanky forward then calmly controlled the ball before smashing the ball home and send the sizebale crowd into raptures.

The Red Eagles then kept the foot on the peddle and could have doubled the lead in the 31st minute through Mahad Yaya Kakooza but his effort kissed the cross bar and just when it seemed like Express FC would end the half with the lead Bakri Abd Elgadir struck, heading home a corner kick to make it 1-1 and head to the break level.

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After recess, the Red Eagles kept pushing to restore parity but we’re kept at bay with Al Merrikh’s possession although their finishing was lacking.

Victory Over Al Merrikh

Godfrey Lwesibawa won possession on the left flank, weaved through the Al Merrikh’s defence before finding an unmarked Martin Kizza who made no mistake by doubling the lead with a clean finish in the 60th minute.

The return leg will take place on 17th September in Khartoum.

EXPRESS STARTING XI: Joel Mutakubwa, Enock Walusimbi (C), Arthur Kigundu, Issa Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Daniel Shabene (John Byamukama 73’), Mahad Yaya Kakooza, Muzamiru Mutyaba (George Senkaaba 56’), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Joseph Akandwanaho 73’), Erick Kambale, Martin Kizza.

UNUSED SUBTITUTES: Denis Otim, Denis Mubuya, Ivan Mayanja, Charles Musiige, Abel Eturude, Richard Bbosa.