Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC earned a vital 1-0 away win over Namibian titleholders African Stars FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.
Defender Hillary Mukundane struck the all-important goal in the 14th minute, steering home Karim Watambala’s fierce curling drive from distance. The early breakthrough handed the seven-time Ugandan champions a crucial cushion to carry into the return leg.
The clash proved tight and tactical, with both teams finding little room to operate in a cautious first half, though Vipers saw more of the ball. Mukundane, beyond his decisive goal, delivered a commanding defensive display, producing a crucial 65th-minute block to deny Godwin Eiseb. His centre-back partner Kevin Dasylva Bady was equally alert, cutting out Emmanuel Kalala’s dangerous attempt ten minutes earlier.
Late drama nearly doubled Vipers’ advantage when substitute Yunus Sentamu broke clear in stoppage time, but he dragged his finish agonisingly wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
💬 “We were well prepared and managed the second half well. We even had chances to score. But 1-0 isn’t a big advantage & it’s all to play for next week in Kitende”
The gaffer Ivan Minnaert reflects on a hard-fought victory in Cape Town, South Africa ⤵️#VenomsUpdates ||… pic.twitter.com/jcui7YMysv
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) September 19, 2025
The narrow victory puts Vipers in the driving seat ahead of next Saturday’s second leg at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where the Venoms will aim to complete the task and progress to the second preliminary round of Africa’s premier club competition.
