Overview:
Defender Hilary Mukundane scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute when he diverted Karim Watambala’s long-range effort past goalkeeper Michael James. The second leg will be played at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on September 27, with a place in the next round at stake.
CAF Champions League Preliminary Round
African Stars FC (Namibia) 0-1 Vipers SC (Uganda)
Return Leg: St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende | Sept 27, 2025
Ugandan champions Vipers SC secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 away victory over Namibia’s African Stars in their CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg clash on Friday evening in Cape Town.
Defender Hilary Mukundane scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute when he diverted Karim Watambala’s long-range effort past goalkeeper Michael James.
The Venoms nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but Milton Karisa’s setup for Gusto Mulongo was dramatically cleared off the line by Vevangapi Mbuende.
Karisa and Allan Okello continued to cause problems for the Namibian champions, though the first half ended with the Ugandans firmly in control.
African Stars responded strongly after the restart, testing Vipers goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu, who produced a sharp save to deny Godwin Eiseb at his near post.
Emmanuel Kalala also went close before Kevin Dasylva Bady blocked another threatening move.
Coach Ivan Minnaert made a series of changes in the second half, introducing Odili Chukwuma, Mark Yallah, Yunus Sentamu, and Derrick Ndahiro in search of fresh energy.
Sentamu almost wrapped up the tie deep into stoppage time but missed from close range after rounding the goalkeeper.
Despite the late scare, Vipers held firm to carry a slender advantage back home. The second leg will be played at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on September 27, with a place in the next round at stake.