Results Summary
CAF Champions League – Preliminary Round (First Leg)
African Stars FC (Namibia) 0–1 Vipers SC (Uganda)
⚽ 13’ Hilary Mukundane (Vipers)
Next Fixture
Return Leg: Vipers SC vs African Stars FC
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC took a massive step toward the next round of the CAF Champions League with a gritty 1-0 away victory over Namibian champions African Stars FC at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday night.
Defender Hilary ‘Bihogo’ Mukundane proved the unlikely hero, finding the net in the 13th minute.
His strong presence saw him deflect in Karim Watambala’s curling effort from outside the box, giving the Venoms a priceless away goal.
From that moment, Vipers showed resilience and steel, holding off every African Stars charge to protect their lead.
Mukundane himself stood tall at the back, producing a crucial block in the 65th minute to deny Godwin Eiseb, while his partner Kevin Dasylva Bady had earlier thwarted Emmanuel Kalala’s goal-bound strike in the 55th minute.
Late missed chance
Late drama nearly saw the margin doubled when substitute Yunus Sentamu broke free in stoppage time, only to drag his shot inches wide with the goalkeeper beaten.
The victory was built on Vipers’ compact defending, composure, and ability to strike early — exactly what coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert demanded. It now leaves the seven-time Ugandan champions in the driving seat heading into the return leg at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where their passionate home crowd awaits.
With one foot already in the second preliminary round, Vipers know the job is far from done, but they will relish the chance to finish strongly in front of their vociferous faithful.
Vipers SC XI:- Denis kiggundu (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Enock Luyima, Hilary Mukundane, Kevin Dasylva Bady, Taddeo Lwanga, Enock Ssebaggala, Karim Watambala, Allan Okello, Gusto Mulongo, Milton Karisa (C).
Subs:- Alfred Mudekereza, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Patrick Mbowa, Pedro Sukuya, Yunus Sentamu, Odili Chukwuma, Mark Yallah, Isaac Ogwang.