Total CAF Champions League

Preliminary Round

Return Leg

Vipers SC 1-0 El Merreikh

Aggregate Score 2-2

Vipers SC Advance on Away goals rule

Vipers Sports Club advanced to the next stage of the Total CAF Champions League after edging past Sudanese outfit El Merreikh in the return leg of the preliminary round played at St.Mary’s stadium on Wednesday.

Abraham Ndugwa’s second half goal was enough to guide the Venoms to a 1-0 win, a result that ensured we progressed to the first round.

Abraham Ndugwa (c) celebrates after sinking El Merriekh with a beauty goal. Vipers Photo

The reverse fixture in Khartoum last week ended 2-1 in favour of El Merreikh and the Venoms needed just victory without conceding to guarantee their place.

The team failed to capitalise on the earlier chances despite dominating proceedings in the second stanza.

23 minutes into the game, Tito Okello beat El Merreikh’s defence and was faced with just the goalkeeper but his shot was parried away for a corner kick.

El Merriekh goalkeeper
Abuzaid Salman Monged thwarts an attempt by hitman Tito Okello. Vipers Photo

Dan Muzeeyi Sserunkuma almost scored from the resultant corner but his header at the far post went just inches off target.

The priceless goal came two minutes into the second half with Ndugwa breaking the duck scoring a fine goal.

The forward made a quick run into the box to connect a lay up by Sserunkuma and took his time to chose his spot before slotting home.

The long awaited goal sent the fans in to wild celebrations and gave Vipers SC the pole position in the fixture.

Enthusiastic fans on their toes to cheer the boys during the game. Vipers Photo

Okello would have doubled the lead moments later when Taddeo won possession at the center line, passed to Moses Waiswa who released Okello on the right flank but his effort hit on the side net.

Ndugwa and Waiswa were withdrawn in the 61st minute paving way for Noah Wafula and Davis Kasirye.

Goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya remained composed in goal to deny the visitors on two occasions when they went through.

Bashir Sekagya kept a clean sheet on Wednesday. Vipers Photo

Later on the manager brought on defender Ibrahim Kiyemba to replace Okello who was stretched off.

The win means Vipers SC advance to the first round where they will face either GAMTEL from Gambia or Club Sportive Constantine from Algeria.

Vipers SC Starting XI

Bashir Ssekagya, Geoffrey Wasswa, Yayo Lutimba, Halid Lwalilwa, Livingstone Mulondo, Taddeo Lwanga, Brian Nkuubi, Moses Waiswa (Noah Wafula), Dan Sserunkuma, Tito Okello (Ibrahim Kiyemba), Abraham Ndugwa (Davis Kasirye).