Vipers SC sailed through to their first ever Group stages of the CAF Champions League after eliminating five-time champions TP Mazembe, on Saturday in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following the goalless stalemate that tied the aggregate at 0-0, the bout extended to the penalty shootouts, with the Kitende side winning it 4-2.
Roberto Oliveira’s well coached team put up a spirited fight at the Stade TP Mazembe, with a character-filled defensive display, especially in the second half.
The early stages of the encounter witnessed end-to-end action, but without purposeful goal scoring threat from either team.
In the 17th minute, the Venoms nearly found the breakthrough but Milton Karisa missed a tap-in after a great pass from Yunus Sentamu.
They should have headed for the break ahead, but Abdu Lumala’s stinging shot from outside the box only crashed against the frame, to leave it 0-0 at halftime.
At the hour-mark, Vipers yet again threatened but Livingstone Mulondo’s header off Disan Ggaliwango’s corner sailed inches wide.
A minute later, substitute Bright Anukani had a thunderous drive but his effort was met by an elastic Siadi Baggio save.
Mazembe nearly broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through substitute Reinford Kalaba, but Alfred Mudekereza denied him with an exquisite save, as both teams saw out the 90 with no goal.
The Venoms were the better shooters as Bright Anukani, Ashraf Mandela, Disan Ggaliwango and Olivier Osomba saw the team progress to their first-ever group stages.
HOW THEY LINED UP
TP MAZEMBE: Siadi Baggio (GK), Tandi Mwape, Kevin Mondeko, Magloire Ntambwe, Djos Issama (C), Boaz Ngalamulume, Soze Zemanga, Ernest Luzolo, Glody Likonza, Adam Bossu, John Bakata.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Shaibu, Atibu, Makunda, Nkaya, Masengo, Mujaya, Kalaba.
VIPERS: Alfred Mudekereza (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Livingstone Mulondo, Murushid Juuko, Hillary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, Olivier Osomba, Abdu Lumala, Milton Karisa (C), Yunus Sentamu.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Fabien Mutombora, Disan Ggaliwango, Bashir Asiku, Cromwell Rwothomio, Marvin Joseph Youngman, Bright Anukani, Abubakar Lawal
Photo credit: TP Mazembe Media, Vipers SC Media
