CAFCL: Minnaert confident of Dynamos win, Mulindwa thanks Vipers SC fans

Vipers SC head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert remains optimistic about his side’s chances of overturning a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Power Dynamos in the Caf Champions League second preliminary round.

The Belgian tactician acknowledged that Moses Sumah’s strike and an own goal by Derrick Ndahiro overshadowed Yunus Sentamu’s consolation goal, leaving the Venoms needing a 2-0 victory in Zambia to advance to the group stages.

“Hard luck for us because we had a few good chances to score and we didn’t, and in the end, they got two chances in the box and scored,” Minnaert said ahead of the return leg.

Despite the setback, the coach remains confident, sending a clear warning to Power Dynamos: “Of course, we believe 200-percent that nothing is done because of the one-goal difference. We need to go there, fight, and try to score as soon as possible. I believe we can do it—we are Venoms, we are Vipers.”

Minnaert also dismissed concerns over match fitness, noting that Vipers had only played two competitive matches since May. He cited the team’s energy in the closing minutes as proof of their readiness. “I don’t believe we lacked match fitness because even in the final minutes, we pressed high up the pitch to try and find the equaliser.”

Mulindwa expresses heartfelt appreciation to fans

Vipers will draw confidence from their previous 1-0 victory over African Stars of Namibia, a result that saw them progress past the first round. Meanwhile, Vipers President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the fans who turned out in huge numbers to support the Venoms during the weekend clash.

Uganda’s continental representatives hosted the Zambian champions at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, in the first leg of the second preliminary round. The visitors came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory.

Yunus Ssentamu had given Vipers the lead early in the second half, but Moses Shumah equalized in the 53rd minute, before Derrick Ndahiro’s own goal in the 78th minute sealed the win for Power Dynamos.

Despite the defeat, the Vipers’ fans’ support did not go unnoticed. “We want to thank our fans who came in big numbers on Sunday for the game against Power Dynamos of Zambia. Your presence at the stadium meant a lot, and we pray that such support for Ugandan teams continues,” Mulindwa stated.

He added, “It was encouraging to see fans of other clubs join in as well, showing unity in support of a common cause. When a team represents Uganda, we should all come together behind them.”

Looking ahead to the return leg in Zambia, Mulindwa remains optimistic. “The result might not have been ideal, but we hope to build on this in our trip to Zambia. The team carries two crucial away goals and a one-goal advantage into the decisive match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.”

The Venoms departed for Ndola on Tuesday, ahead of Friday’s second-leg showdown. With just 90 minutes left to decide who progresses to the Champions League group stages, Mulindwa and the team are confident of delivering a positive result for their loyal supporters.

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