Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC suffered a huge first-leg blow after losing 2-0 against Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy FC in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on Sunday.
Thabang Vincent Sesinyi struck twice to ensure Jwaneng Galaxy assume the advantage at the Lobatse Sports Complex. Following a cagey start, it’s Jwaneng Galaxy who got themselves on the score sheet with Sesinyi beating Alfred Mudekereza at the 16th-minute mark.
The Venoms then surged forward for an equaliser and nearly got it but Yunus Sentamu saw his shot off Milton Karisa’s delivery, easily saved by the goalkeeper. In the 30th minute, Mudekereza produced a brilliant stop to deny Jwaneng’s Sechele Moagi’s free-kick at the near post.
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Brazilian forward Rodriguez Giancarlo, nearly got Vipers back into it with a powerful free-kick, but it wobbled slightly off the target. After the break, Vipers came back improved and nearly equalised in the 57th minute, but Sentamu struck wide after Bright Anukani had danced passed a couple of bodies.
Anukani then had a long-range effort well tamed by goalkeeper Phoko, before substitute Mohammed Salem struck the rebound off target. Following a spell of questioning from Vipers, they fell to a second through Sesinyi and despite the team probing to nick one on enemy territory, Galaxy held firm to take a 2-0 aggregate lead. There’s still a chance for the Venoms to turn the tables at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.
Vipers SC starting XI: Alfred Mudekereza (GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Livingstone Mulondo, Patrick Mbowa, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa (C), Yunus Sentamu, Giancarlo Rodriguez.
Subs: Fabien Mutombora, Denis Kiggundu, Richard Matovu, Nzau Lutumba, Karim Watambala, Mohammed Salem, Awesome Fumador, Abubakar Lawal, Grant Matsiko, and Abdu Lumala.