DAVID GOMBE
Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC will return to action when they host Zambian champions Power Dynamos in the CAF Champions League final qualification phase under the lights of St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
The Venoms have not been in action since they eliminated Namibia’s Africa Stars last month at Kitende. Vipers prevailed 2-0 on aggregate.
Power Dynamos who are nicknamed as Aba Yellow ejected Ivory Coast side ASEC Mimosas on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate stalemate following both legs.
Vipers head coach Jacky Ivan Minneart anticipates a tough contest but is confident his side will stage up a fight for home advantage
“We both have the same chances. It’s 50-50, in matches like this, small details matter. We respect Power Dynamos, but we also know what we are fighting for a place among Africa’s elite.”
“Power Dynamos are a strong side. They are well organized and play fast, technical football,” Minnaert added. “But we have prepared for this. Playing at Kitende, with our fans behind us, gives us confidence. We are ready to fight.” Said the Belgian whose side will be seeking to return to the group stages of the competition for the first time since the 2022/23 season
Oswald Mutapa, the Power Dynamos head coach is confident his side can deliver at Kitende.
“We anticipate a tough game. This is a team that has been doing well at home, but of course, we are equally a determined side that needs a result. We need to go and get a positive result play the first half there, then come and finish the job,” Mutapa said.
“For me, it has even given us moments to focus. We lost 2-1, but if you look at the way we played, even with a man less, we created more chances than Red Arrows did and defended so well until maybe the last minute when we allowed the other goal. Yes, we lost, but we are focused on what is at stake,” he explained.
His side eliminated Uganda’s KCCA FC out of the competition in 1998. The Zambian side have never reached the group stages of the CAF champions league.
They will be seeking a response after their 2-1 defeat to Red Arrows in their previous game.
Vipers SC XI:
Dennis Kiggundu (Gk), Ashraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Hillary Mukundane, Kevin Brady, Taddeo Lwanga, Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala, Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa
