Vipers Sports Club’s hopes of progressing in the CAF Champions League came to a disappointing halt on Friday night, as they faced Power Dynamos in a gripping encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia. This result saw the Zambian side advance to the group stage with a 3-2 aggregate victory over the Ugandan champions.
In a must-win situation for Vipers, the players entered the pitch with a resolute mindset, determined to overturn the 2-1 deficit from the first leg held in Kitende the previous week. The match began with both teams showcasing their tactical skills and physicality, creating an intense atmosphere that kept fans at the edge of their seats.
Power Dynamos drew first blood in the 68th minute when their star forward, Moses Shumah, capitalized on a defensive lapse in the Vipers’ backline, netting his second goal of the tie. This strike left Vipers needing to find two goals to secure a place in the next round—a daunting challenge against a team that was now emboldened by their lead.
However, Vipers displayed resilience in their response. As the clock ticked past the 79th minute, substitute Karim Watambala brought renewed hope to the Ugandan side when he found the back of the net, leveling the score and briefly lifting the spirits of the traveling fans. The energy in the stadium shifted as Vipers pushed for a second goal that would have taken the match to penalties.
Despite mounting pressure and several tactical changes implemented by Coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert in the final stages, the Venoms struggled to break down the determined Power Dynamos defense. As the final whistle blew, it was clear that Vipers’ continental journey had come to an untimely end, exiting the tournament in the second preliminary round.
Following this setback, Vipers SC will refocus their efforts on domestic competitions, aiming to rebuild and regroup after a campaign characterized by moments of promise overshadowed by missed opportunities. Their next challenge lies ahead as they strive to regain momentum in their local league and keep their hopes of silverware alive for the season.
