CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
FIRST LEG | PRELIMINARY ROUND
African Stars FC v Vipers SC
September 19-21, 2025 | WINDHOEK
Vipers SC are back on the continental stage — stronger, hungrier, and ready to roar.
The double kings of Ugandan football in the season gone by — fondly known as Ssalongo — have used the off-season to make super signings aimed at bolstering the squad.
Contenders-que
Under the guidance of head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert, the Venoms are determined to ensure they are not just participants but serious contenders in both domestic competitions and the 2025/26 Total Energies CAF Champions League.
Now, the seven-time Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions have learned their path to the group stages during Saturday’s preliminary round draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Exciting journey
Vipers will start their campaign against African Stars FC of Namibia in the first preliminary round, with the first leg away between 19–21 September 2025, before hosting the decisive return leg at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende between 26–28 September.
The aggregate winner will then face either Power Dynamos FC of Zambia or ASEC Mimosas FC of Côte d’Ivoire in the second preliminary round.
In that round, Vipers would host the first leg between 17–19 October, before traveling away for the return leg between 24–26 October.
Memorable history
Vipers SC have had a taste of the big stage, having reached the CAF Champions League group phase in the 2022/23 season after eliminating Olympic de Bangui (Central African Republic) and TP Mazembe (DR Congo).
That campaign saw the Venoms face Raja Casablanca (Morocco), Horoya AC (Guinea), and Simba SC (Tanzania).
Belief looms large
This time, the Venoms believe it’s more than just participation — it’s about making history again for Uganda and proving their might on the continent.