Vipers to face Platinum

Vipers forward Milton Kaliisa sorrounded by Volcan players in the first leg

What you need to know:

Marauding left-back Aggrey Madoi started ahead of Dan Birikwalira, Siraje Ssentamu replaced Keziron Kizito, Brian Nkuubi benched Moses Waisswa while youngster Francis Onekalit was also considered a better option to Tony Odur.

The away tremors soon bred a defensive mix up between defender Bakaki Shafik and custodian Isma Watenga that granted Moroni the lead on 12 minutes through Kamal Djabir.

Kampala.

The gears will need to change when Caf Confederations cup representatives Vipers engage South African giants Platinum Stars in March after squeezing past Volcan de Moroni on Saturday in Comoros.

Desperate times call for desperate measures and that is the approach Vipers coach Richard Wasswa employed when he made four attack-minded changes in the starting team that achieved progress in Moroni. They needed to score at all costs away from home and that called for radical changes from the technical team after thorough assessment of the barren draw at Namboole.

Marauding left-back Aggrey Madoi started ahead of Dan Birikwalira, Siraje Ssentamu replaced Keziron Kizito, Brian Nkuubi benched Moses Waisswa while youngster Francis Onekalit was also considered a better option to Tony Odur.

The away tremors soon bred a defensive mix up between defender Bakaki Shafik and custodian Isma Watenga that granted Moroni the lead on 12 minutes through Kamal Djabir.

Vipers weren’t short of comeback belief; defensive midfielder Deus Bukenya netted on 27 minutes to restore parity and give visitors the leg advantage having drawn 0-0 at home in the first encounter.
Played under the scorching heat that required several water breaks at the Stade De Moroni artificial turf, the match produced few chances as each side was cautious not to concede.

The precious away goal in the 1-1 draw on Saturday booked Vipers a nerve-racking date with Platinum Stars who ejected Mozambique’s União Desportiva 2-0 on aggregate with the winner set for a slot in the lucrative group stages of the competition.

Though the experienced Odur and Kizito were later thrown on as Vipers sought to kill off the contest, it was visible that Wasswa’s team still lacks balance and composure, which may be punished by a better equipped Platinum side.

WHO ARE PLATINUM STARS?
Founded: 1998
Nickname: Dikwena (Crocodiles)
Ground: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Coach: Cavin Johnson
PSL position today: 13th on 16-team log

caf confederations cup

Volcan 1 (0) -1 (0) Vipers
Vipers advance on away goals
Second Round in March
Vipers vs Platinum Stars (S. Africa)