Vipers SC will have it all to do in Zambia after falling 2-1 to Power Dynamos in a pulsating CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg on Sunday evening at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The Venoms, roared on by their home fans, looked to be in control when talisman Yunus Junior Sentamu fired them ahead shortly after the break.
However, the visitors from Zambia turned the tide dramatically through Moses Shuma’s equalizer and a late Derrick Ndahiro own goal to snatch a priceless away win.
It was a cautious opening half, with both sides locked in a midfield tussle and goalmouth action coming at a premium.
Vipers nearly broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime when Willard Mwanza pulled off a stunning double save to deny Sentamu and Milton Karisa in quick succession.
Two minutes after the restart, the home side finally broke through. A goalmouth scramble saw Sentamu react quickest to a loose ball, slotting home to ignite the Kitende crowd.
But the celebrations were short-lived. Just eight minutes later, Shuma pounced on a defensive mix-up to level matters for the Zambians.
Vipers’ sought to reassert control by introducing Enock Ssebagala and debutant Arafat Usama Kizza, but fate had other plans.
With 13 minutes left, a teasing cross from the left flank caused chaos in Vipers’ backline, forcing Ndahiro to inadvertently turn the ball into his own net past the onrushing goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu.
Despite late pressure from the Venoms, Power Dynamos held firm, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline to take a vital first-leg advantage back to Kitwe.
Vipers will now face a daunting task in Zambia on Friday, needing nothing short of a strong response to overturn the deficit and keep their CAF Champions League dream alive.
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