Vipers carry hope for return leg in Kampala

KAMPALA. Vipers SC have their work clearly cut out as they need to win against CS Constantine on Saturday to progress to the group stages of the Caf Champions League.

The Ugandan champions lost 1-0 in Algeria on Friday night against their opponents at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui.
Vipers needed an away goals rule to march into the first round over Sudan’s Al Merrikh. But they do not have any favours if they fail to score at least twice when the two sides meet on Saturday at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

It was not a convincing win for the Algerians either after Kadour Beldjilali gave the hosts a 14th minute lead after beating goalkeeper Bashir Sekagya. When the youthful goalkeeper was replaced, Constantine kept pushing for another goal, wasting a handiful of opportunities. Constantine could have gone for the break with two goals had it not been to the kind Senegalese referee Maguette N’Diaye, who was not intrested in the penaltyn appeal in the 44th minute.

Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan, who replaced an injured Sekagya was forced into action several times. Vipers had their chances to forcing goalkeeper Chameseddine Rahmanito save with 15 minutes to play.

In added time, the referee again deprived the hosts of another goal that was ruled offside. That win may prove insufficient as Vipers have proved they can breach defences.