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Since gaining promotion to the Uganda Premier League in 2018, Mbarara City has been a hard nut to crack for KCCA.
KCCA FC's journey in the Stanbic Uganda Cup has been smooth thus far. A convincing 3-0 win over Regional side KJT in the Round of 62 was followed by another victory over Fufa Big League side Kataka.
And yet head coach Morley Byekwaso understands the task at hand when the Kasasiro Boys host another Big League side, Mbarara City, in the Round of 16 on Friday.
"Mbarara City is a tricky team. They have always given us a tough time," Byekwaso said ahead of the game.
"We expect a tough challenge, but we have prepared well for the game," he added.
The hosts will have it in mind that they were knocked out of this very cup competition by Bright Star in front of their home crowd last year.
Since gaining promotion to the Uganda Premier League in 2018, Mbarara City has been a hard nut to crack for KCCA.
The two sides have faced off eight times, with KCCA winning thrice and Mbarara once. In addition, there have been four drawn matches between the teams.
Today's clash, however, must end with a winner. After that, a place in the quarterfinals awaits.
Mbarara's old boy Brian Aheebwa will be coming up against his former paymasters.
Byekwaso further highlighted that Aheebwa and Lwanga would continue to lead the line for the club in the cup while Tshisungu Kankonde and Muhammad Shaban start in the UPL.
KCCA has been in good goal-scoring form and put three past Arua Hill in their last league outing.
They, whoever, shipped in two that day, and the visitors will be looking to pounce when the opportunities present themselves.
Henry Kitegenyi continues to lead Mbarara City's search for goals and will be a handful for the hosts' backline.
His physical approach to the game will keep whichever backline Byekwaso chooses occupied.
Tactician Sadick Ssempinji revealed: "At the moment, KCCA is doing exceptionally well. We have picked up points on that ground (Lugogo) before. We are going to put on a winning display; I've got no doubt at all. It's now down to them (players) to fight for that win."
Mbarara City's main target this season is earning promotion back to the UPL. Still, the possibility of going a few matches to silverware should be a motivating factor going into the clash.
With Vipers squeezing past Wakiso Giants on Tuesday and BUL progressing past SC Villa, KCCA will be looking to join the last eight and fight for a league and cup double.
Stanbic Uganda Cup
Friday fixture
Round of 16
KCCA vs. Mbarara City -4pm, Lugogo
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