History beckons for Vipers SC in must-win Caf tie
Abraham Nduggwa was the hero against El Merreikh and may feature today for Javier Martinez’s side who are hoping to emulate KCCA, by reaching the groups. PHOTOS BY JOHN BATANUDDE
KAMPALA- A game of their lives awaits Vipers at St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende this afternoon.
It looks like Vipers coach Javier Martinez is itching to use the same template that ousted El Merriekh in the first round in a bid to overturn CS Constantine’s 1-0 Caf Champions League first leg win.
Given the fluctuating scorelines that Caf matches can provoke, the Algerians touched down at Entebbe on Wednesday with a solemn vow of beating Vipers at home – just like they did to Gambia side Gamtel at the previous stage.
“We are glad to be here and we are positive to play and win.
“We didn’t achieve our target in the first leg. We wanted to score more goals but Vipers were solid,” Constantine coach Denis Lavan revealed. He added: “We shall try to win away and we are focused on that to go to the group stages.”
Riding on home advantage, Martinez will most likely opt for the attacking duo of Dan Sserunkuma and Tito Okello to achieve the 2-0 cushion required to advance. A 1-0 win would call for spot-kicks to determine the winner while a slot in the Caf Confederations Cup awaits the loser.
“It is important that we won this game (3-1 against Bul on Wednesday) because it gives us confidence ahead of the Champions League on Saturday,” Martinez observed.
The Mexican has a big decision to make between the sticks; whether to retain youngster Derrick Ochan who impressed against Constantine and Bul or turn to the fit-again first choice Fabien Mutombora.
In defence, Martinez is likely to stick to the backline of Yayo Lutimba, Wasswa, Livingstone Mulondo and Halid Lwaliwa .
Returning Taddeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa, Duncan Sseninde and Brian Nkuubi should complete the midfield set. A mammoth crowd will be expecting to watch history for the Kitende-based club.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Caf Champions League 1ST round
Second leg, today
Vipers (0) vs (1) CS Constantine
St Mary’s Stadium Kitende
Entry fees: General - Shs10000
VIP - Shs30000
Champions League Cash Prizes
Champions $2.5 million
Runners-up $1.25 million
Semi-finalists $800,000
Quarter-finalists $650,000
3rd in group stage $550,000
4th in group stage $550,000
Match officials
Ali Adelaid Mohammed (Egypt)
Mahmoud El Regal (Egypt)
Samir Gamal Saad (Egypt)
