Express FC have over the past year shown they are not only the best team domestically but also regionally after winning both the Uganda Premier League and Cecafa title.
They will now be looking to make an impression on the continent when they make the long awaited return to the Caf Champions League.
The Red Eagles face off with Sudanese side El Merreikh in the first left of their preliminary clash at the St Mary's Stadium in Kitende in Friday.
“This is a big game for all of us as a club, every Express FC fan has been dreaming about returning to the continent and here we are," Express coach Wasswa Bbosa said ahead of the game.
“We have been preparing ever since we returned from the Kagame Cup and I can assure you that we are ready for Al Merrick.”
“Because we know they’re an experienced side especially on the continent but we shall give it our all and try to kill the game from here,” Bossa added.
Godfrey Lwesibawa is back to full fitness having missed the semi and final of the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
The rest of the players are fit and available for selection, with no suspensions as well.
Express will look to Eric Kambale for goals with the striker having hit the 20-goal mark in all competitions last season.
He followed that up with three more goals in the Cecafa Kagame Cup in which experienced playmaker also got onto the score sheet as many times.
The team should also include the trio of captain Enock Walusimbi who put in a man of the match performance for the Cranes in their goalless draw against Mali as well as his experienced colleague Murushid Jjuuko and goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.
The Red Eagles are on a 24 match unbeaten run across all competitions with their last loss coming on 9th March 2021.
This will be the sixth meeting between the two sides with Al Merrikh picking up four wins compared to Express FC’s one with a draw between both sides
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