Vipers SC head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert has urged his charges to remain grounded despite edging Namibia’s African Stars 1-0 in Friday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round clash.
Defender Hilary Mukundane settled the contest early in the first half, pouncing to hand the Ugandan champions a precious away goal. The Venoms, however, were unable to capitalize further on a string of openings that could have widened the margin.
Minnaert lauded his side’s organization and discipline, particularly in the latter stages of the match, but quickly downplayed the significance of the slim win.
“We were well-prepared and managed the second half well,” the Belgian tactician reflected, as he spoke to the club’s media.
“We even had chances to score (more). But 1-0 isn’t a big advantage and it’s all to play for next week in Kitende.”
The Kitende return leg will ultimately decide the Venoms’ fate. Victory over the Namibian outfit would secure passage to the next round, where Vipers will meet either Zambia’s Power Dynamos or Ivory Coast giants ASEC Mimosas.
