Kitende, Uganda: Ugandan champions Vipers SC suffered a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round played on Saturday evening at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
In a cagey first half, both teams struggled to find rhythm or create clear scoring opportunities. The best moment for the hosts came just before the break when Power Dynamos goalkeeper Willard Mwanza pulled off a brilliant double save, denying successive efforts from Yunus Ssentamu and Milton Karisa.
After halftime, the Venoms appeared rejuvenated, and their persistence paid off two minutes into the second period. Striker Yunus Ssentamu pounced on a defensive lapse inside the box to put Vipers ahead, sending the home crowd into celebration.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Kenyan forward Moses Shuma capitalised on miscommunication between Vipers defenders and goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu, tapping in from close range to level the score.
Vipers coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi responded with attacking substitutions midway through the half, bringing on Enock Ssebagala and debutant Arafat Usama Kizza for Karim Watambala and Odili Chwukuma. The changes brought energy but little fortune.
Disaster struck in the 77th minute when defender Derrick Ndahiro inadvertently turned a dangerous cross into his own net, gifting the visitors a crucial lead. Despite late pressure and several attacking forays from Karisa and Ssentamu, Power Dynamos held firm to seal a precious away victory.
The defeat leaves Vipers SC needing a big response in the return leg set for Friday, October 24, in Kitwe, Zambia, where the aggregate winner will advance to the CAF Champions League group stages.
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