By 
Vipers SC took a crucial step towards returning to the CAF Champions League group stages with a hard-fought 1-0 away win over Namibia’s African Stars in the preliminary round first leg on Friday.
Played in Cape Town due to African Stars’ inability to secure a suitable home venue in Namibia, the match saw the Ugandan champions make their intentions clear early on as the decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Hilary Mukundane inadvertently redirected Karim Watambala’s long-range effort into the net, giving the Venoms an early lead.
Despite the early dominance, Vipers were made to work for their victory as African Stars grew into the game, applying sustained pressure in the second half in search of an equaliser. However, the Venoms’ defence held firm, displaying composure and discipline to preserve their slender lead until the final whistle.
The result hands Vipers a valuable first-leg advantage as they return to Uganda with the upper hand.
A draw in the second leg, set to be played at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende next week, will be enough to see them through to the second preliminary round.
Awaiting them will be a tougher test either Zambia’s Power Dynamos or Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.
Vipers are seeking a return to the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time since their historic 2022/23 campaign, where they famously knocked out TP Mazembe and later faced continental heavyweights Raja Casablanca, Horoya AC, and Simba SC.
