Total CAF Champions League

Preliminary Round, Return Leg

Vipers SC vs El Merriekh

St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende

Wednesday, 5th December 2018 (4pm)

Vipers Sports Club will come into the return leg against Sudanese outfit El Merreikh high in confidence and hoping to finish the job at home.

Despite losing the first leg 2-1 away in Khartoum last week, the belief amongst the players and technical team is high all anticipating for a good display on Wednesday at St. Mary’s stadium.

Manager Javier Martinez Espinosa while addressing the media in a pre-match briefing on Tuesday indicated that the team is fully focused to make sure they advance to the next stage.

Javier Martinez Espinosa with one of his assistants Abu Wamboya Mubarak

“The team is prepared and we have had enough time to refresh from last week and all our focus now is to make sure we finish the job at home. The players are fully committed and I believe they will give us the result we want.” he stated.

The gaffer went ahead to indicate that they are aware of the challenge that El Merreikh pose but he is optimistic the Venoms are up to the task.

“We saw how they play and know how exactly to hurt them. It was important that we scored away from home. We therefore just need to win the game and not allow them to score.” the manager added.

Goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya going through the drills. 

Dan Muzeeyi Sserunkuma came off the bench to score the vital away goal and a win with a clean sheet will be enough to send the Venoms to the next phase.

Team captain Taddeo Lwanga also shares similar sentiments with the manager stressing that they are ready and committed to eject El Merreikh.

“We are prepared as players for the game tomorrow because we know what is at stake and we would want to see ourselves progressing to the next step. We could have lost the first leg but this time round we shall be at home and hoping to make home advantage count.” said the skipper.

Team News

Goalkeeper Fabien Mutomobora is ruled out due to an injury he sustained during the CAF U-23 qualifiers while on duty for Burundi. Thus, the manager will have to choose on either Bashir Ssekagya or Derrick Ochan.

Striker Davis Kasirye who has been on the sidelines nursing an injury has returned to the team and will be available for selection.

The winner on aggregate will take on either GAMTEL from Gambia or CS Constatine from Algeria at the first round stage.