Vipers SC took a vital step in the direction of returning to the CAF Champions League group levels with a hard-fought 1-0 away win over Namibia’s African Stars within the preliminary spherical first leg on Friday.

Performed in Cape City as a consequence of African Stars’ incapability to safe an acceptable dwelling venue in Namibia, the match noticed the Ugandan champions make their intentions clear early on because the decisive second got here within the thirteenth minute when Hilary Mukundane inadvertently redirected Karim Watambala’s long-range effort into the web, giving the Venoms an early lead.

Regardless of the early dominance, Vipers had been made to work for his or her victory as African Stars grew into the sport, making use of sustained strain within the second half looking for an equaliser. Nevertheless, the Venoms’ defence held agency, displaying composure and self-discipline to protect their slender lead till the ultimate whistle.

The consequence fingers Vipers a invaluable first-leg benefit as they return to Uganda with the higher hand.

A draw within the second leg, set to be performed at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende subsequent week, will likely be sufficient to see them via to the second preliminary spherical.

Awaiting them will likely be a more durable check both Zambia’s Energy Dynamos or Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.

Vipers are looking for a return to the CAF Champions League group stage for the primary time since their historic 2022/23 marketing campaign, the place they famously knocked out TP Mazembe and later confronted continental heavyweights Raja Casablanca, Horoya AC, and Simba SC.