Ugandan champions seek to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit as they face Power Dynamos in Ndola, with belief and composure as their guiding light.

THE MATCH DETAILS

Fixture: Power Dynamos FC (Zambia) vs Vipers SC (Uganda)

Competition: CAF Champions League – Second Preliminary Round (Second Leg)

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Venue: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola (Zambia)

Kick-off: 4pm (EAT)

Aggregate: Power Dynamos lead 2–1

Vipers SC travel to Ndola knowing that only a bold, disciplined performance will keep their CAF Champions League dream alive.

The Ugandan champions trail 2–1 on aggregate after last weekend’s defeat at St. Mary’s Stadium – Kitende — a game where Yunus Sentamu’s strike was undone by a Moses Shuma equaliser and a Derrick Ndahiro own goal.

Now, all eyes turn to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, where the Venoms must win by at least two clear goals to advance to the group stages for the second time in their history.

Captain’s Rallying Call

Vipers captain Milton Karisa insists belief will be the team’s greatest weapon in Zambia.

“I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes in the first leg and it kinda cost us,” Karisa said.

“If we have no belief for Power Dynamos, we have no chance. We have to believe in ourselves going into the second leg. We’ve got to believe — let’s do it together, Venoms.”

His words reflect a determined mood in the camp, with the Kitende-based outfit eager to make amends and show their true quality on the continental stage – having touched base in Zambia on Tuesday.

Stressing Focus & Composure

Head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert remains optimistic, drawing positives from the first-leg display despite the loss.

“The positives we carried on from the first leg is that we have 90 minutes to play,” Minnaert said. “Power Dynamos showed their hunger. I think we have the ability, we certainly have the quality, and now we have to prove it.”

Minnaert, who took charge earlier this season, has urged his charges to combine tactical discipline with mental toughness.

“Hopefully we have learned and can show the composure, the determination, and the belief that is very important,” he added. “Tomorrow, we know what we are going to face, and it’s going to be tough. So, to my players — be very focused, very determined, and go for it.”

Team News

Vipers will be without defender Kevin Dasylva Bady, who is suspended for accumulated yellow cards. His absence could see Hillary ‘Bihogo’ Mukundane or Enock Luyima slot into the backline.

Meanwhile, Allan Okello and Yunus Sentamu are expected to lead the charge upfront, supported by Karim Watambala and Taddeo Lwanga in midfield as the Venoms chase a comeback for the ages.

All to Play For

With belief as their mantra and redemption on their minds, Vipers head into Ndola knowing there’s no room for error.

The challenge is steep, but as history has often shown, the Venoms tend to roar loudest when their backs are against the wall.