Uganda’s continental hopefuls KCCA and Vipers SC both passed their preliminary round test with ease after seeing off their opponents from Angola and Comoros in the CAF Champions League and CAF continental cup respectively.
In spite of the impressive manner of their victories, the Uganda Premier League champions, KCCA and the Uganda Cup winners Vipers SC will only be too aware that the hard work begins now with tough first round fixtures awaiting them against South African opponents.
KCCA will face off with CAF Champion League holders, Mamelodi Sundowns while Vipers will take on PSL side, Platinum Stars. Boasting of a 1-0 win at home in their first leg, Mike Mutebi’s men completed the job with a an important away goal in the first half that saw them dispatch off Premiero de Agosto 2-2 on aggregate to set up the clash against the South African giants.
“There is always pressure especially playing a team like Mamelodi Sundowns but I’m a believer and I trust in God. As a team, we have really worked hard and that’s why we managed to edge past de Agosto . We are worth facing them and well equipped for the challenge,”said Kasasiro boys keeper Benjamin Ochan.
For Vipers , their 1-1 away draw at Comoros side Volcan Club de Moroni guaranateed them a path past the preliminary round after a goalless draw in the first leg against the Islanders.
Richard Wasswa men achieved that feat without their regular goal poacher, Keziron Kizito, who did not make to the trip. His replacement Sentamu Siraje was equal to the task in the midfielders role providing an assists to Deus Bukenya who scored the lone goal.
The result also vindicated Wasswa long held stance that what Venoms needed was time to get their groove back after the first leg goaless draw.
Vipers SC were due to fly back into the country yesterday afternoon and will then resume training tomorrow to prepare for their first league match clash against Express on Friday March 24,2017 in a live televised encounter courtsey of league sponsors,Azam Television.
In another development Confederations of African Football (CAF) has released full CAF Champions League last-32 draw after Saint George of Ethiopia qualified Monday.
The fixtures are as follows:
USM Alger (ALG) v Kadiogo (Bar
Rivers Utd (NGR) v Al Merrikh (SUD)
Etoile Sahel (TUN) v AS Tanda (CIV)
Esperance (TUN) v Horoya (GUI)
Al Ahly Tripoli (LBA) v FUS Rabat (MAR)
Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA, holders) v KCCA (UGA)
Wydad Casablanca (MAR) v Mounana (GAB)
Young Africans (TAN) v ZANACO (ZAM)
Ferroviario Beira (MOZ) v Stade Malien (MLI)
Zamalek (EGY) v Enugu Rangers (NGR)
Ports Authority (GAM) v V Club (COD)
Coton Sport (CMR) v CNaPS Sport (MAD)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Wits (RSA)
TP Mazembe (COD) v CAPS Utd (ZIM)
AC Leopards (CGO) v St George (ETH)
Al Hilal (SUD) v Port Louis (MRI)
First legs: March 10-12, second: March 17-19
Note: winners qualify for group phase and losers drop to CAF Confederation Cup
