Lusaka, Zambia: Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after managing only a 1-1 draw with Zambia’s Power Dynamos on Friday evening at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, confirming a 3-2 aggregate exit from Africa’s premier club competition.
Having lost the first leg 2-1 in Kitende last week, Vipers needed a strong response to keep their continental ambitions alive. Coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert made five changes to the starting lineup, introducing Rogers Torach, Enock Luyima, Enock Ssebagala, Gusto Mulongo, and Arafat Usama in search of energy and balance.
Despite a positive start, the Venoms found themselves trailing in the 68th minute when Kenyan striker Moses Shumah capitalized on a defensive lapse to give Power Dynamos the lead.
Vipers’ response came twelve minutes later as Karim Watambala drilled in a powerful equalizer after neat buildup play from Arafat Usama, sparking renewed hope among the traveling supporters.
However, the Ugandan champions failed to find the decisive second goal that would have forced penalties, leaving them to rue missed chances and defensive errors.
Another Early CAF Exit for the Venoms
The result extends Vipers’ struggles on the continental stage, where their only successful qualification to the CAF Champions League group stages came during the 2022/23 season. Despite significant investment in player recruitment and infrastructure, the team has yet to replicate domestic dominance with consistent performances in Africa.
Club president Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, who has long emphasized the goal of making Vipers a permanent force in African football, will be disappointed with yet another premature exit. Coach Minnaert, brought in for his vast African experience, alongside high-profile recruits such as Robin Hney, Kevin Dasylva, and Taddeo Lwanga, had been expected to take the club deeper into the tournament.
But questions persist over team cohesion, tactical identity, and transfer strategy, issues that have plagued the club’s continental campaigns in recent years.
Focus Turns to Uganda Premier League
With their CAF dream over, Vipers will now shift focus to defending their Uganda Premier League (UPL) crown. The club hopes a strong domestic campaign can restore pride and re-energize the squad following continental disappointment.
Sources within the club indicate that management will review performance and strategy before the January transfer window, as the Venoms seek to rebuild and refocus their push for both domestic and regional success.
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