CAF Champions League | Preliminary Round 2 | First Leg
- Vipers 1-2 Power Dynamos
Vipers SC face an uphill task in their CAF Champions League quest after suffering a 2–1 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos on Sunday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The Venoms took the lead early in the second half through Yunus Junior Sentamu but couldn’t hold on. The visitors hit back with goals from Moses Shuma and a Derrick Ndahiro own goal to snatch a crucial away victory in the first leg of the second preliminary round.
The opening half was tight, with few chances. Power Dynamos’ goalkeeper Willard Mwanza made a stunning double save to deny Sentamu and Milton Karisa before halftime.
Just two minutes after the restart, Sentamu pounced on a loose ball to give Vipers the lead. But the advantage was short-lived, Shuma leveled moments later after the hosts failed to clear their lines.
Coach Ivan Minnaert made changes, introducing Enock Ssebagala and debutant Arafat Usama Kizza, but Vipers couldn’t regain control.
Their night worsened when Ndahiro turned a cross into his own net with 13 minutes to play.
Despite a late push, the Venoms couldn’t find a way back as the Zambians held firm to secure a vital result.
Vipers now travel to Kitwe for Friday’s decisive return leg, needing to overturn the deficit to reach the group stage of Africa’s top club competition.
