Vipers SC booked a date with either Platinum Stars of South Africa or Mozambique’s Uniao do Songo in the next round of the Caf Confederation Cup following their one-all draw with Comoros side Volcan Club de Moroni on Saturday, reports JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE.
Vipers midfielder Deus Bukenya scored the all-important goal when his free-kick on 29 minutes did not only restore parity for Vipers SC in their return leg game against Volcan club de Moroni, but also helped them qualify for the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup.
With the match ending in a one-all draw, Vipers, who had fallen behind after 12 minutes, were able to qualify on the away-goals rule after the first leg at Namboole stadium had ended goalless.
However, delighted as Vipers were after the weekend result amidst the humidity, the hurdle ahead is even much tougher, and they will need a more pragmatic approach.
Coach Richard Wasswa said his players distinguished themselves well in knocking out Moroni.
“After our first leg failures, we returned to work, and I promised our supporters that we would do everything possible to remain in the competition, which we have done,” a delighted Wasswa said in his post-match comments.
Goal hero Bukenya said after overcoming this hurdle, they are now more confident to do well in the next round. Bukenya stressed that they will have to work even harder, a practice, if kept, will see them do well in the future.
Indeed, after labouring against Moroni, who are not from a top football playing nation, opposition from South Africa and Mozambique will prove tougher for Vipers.
In defence and midfield generally, they seem to be competitive enough. But as Wasswa said, they must improve in attack. Otherwise, reports from Comoros indicate Vipers missed many chances will invigorate any future opponents.
Vipers, who made their continental debut last season in the Caf Champions League, have set a target of reaching the quarterfinal stage in the Confederation Cup this term.
Club president Lawrence Mulindwa has adopted a no-nonsense approach on coaches, with Abdullah Mubiru and George Nsimbe being his recent victims, in the fierce demand for results at Vipers.
Mubiru and Nsimbe were fired barely one year into their contracts after Vipers lost ground in the Azam-sponsored Uganda Premier League (UPL).
jovi@observer.ug