CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
MATCH DETAILS
African Stars FC (Namibia) vs. Vipers SC (Uganda)
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Return Leg: St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende | Sept 27
Match Preview
Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC kick off their CAF Champions League campaign on Friday evening, when they face African Stars FC in the first preliminary round at Athlete Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa.
Although the Namibians have opted to host the fixture on neutral ground in South Africa, the Venoms will be keen to grab control of the tie early — despite only arriving in Cape Town just two days before the showdown.
Head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert will be banking heavily on the form of talisman Allan Okello, who has been in sensational touch for both club and country.
Super sensation
With 20 goals across Vipers’ double-winning season and influential displays for the Cranes in CHAN and AFCON qualifiers, Okello has developed into the creative heartbeat of this side. His ability to unlock defences could prove decisive.
Vipers return to the competition looking to emulate their 2022/23 group stage run, when they famously knocked out TP Mazembe and shared a pool with Raja Casablanca, Horoya AC, and Simba SC.
Stars aim to shine
Standing in their way is an African Stars side with limited continental pedigree — just two Champions League appearances (2019, 2020) – but one boasting eight Namibian league titles and Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cups.
Their competitive edge at home has been consistent, and they will not be underestimated.
For Minnaert, the formula is simple: strike first, strike away, and return to Kitende with momentum.
Key Battles & Talking Points
Okello Factor: 20 goals last season, plus Cranes heroics — Vipers’ game-changer.
Defensive Core: Mukundane, Torach, Kevin Dasylva Bady, Ashraf Mandela, Enock Luyima and Mulondo are the main men tasked with shutting out African Stars.
Gym Attacking Depth: Sentamu, Karisa, Yallah, Chukwuma, Mulongo and Ogwang give Minnaert plenty of firepower.
Vipers 22-Man Squad in Cape Town
Goalkeepers: Alfred Mudekereza, Denis Kiggundu.
Defenders: Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Enock Luyima, Livingstone Mulondo, Derrick Ndahiro, Nico Wadada, Kevin Dasylva Bady, Ashraf Mandela.
Midfielders: Taddeo Lwanga, Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala, Pedro Sukuya, Allan Okello, Patrick Mbowa.
Forwards: Mark Yallah, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Gusto Mulongo, Odili Chukwuma, Isaac Ogwang.