Oct, 15, 2022
Vipers SC defied the odds to upstage TP Mazembe in the second leg of the second preliminary round of the 2022/23 CAF Champions League.
The Kitende-based outfit required a goalless first and second half followed by a successful 2-4 penalty shoot-out to seal the victory.
Vipers SC and TP Mazembe huffed and puffed but none could break the deadlock in standard time.
The visitors often threatened Abdu Lumala’s shot outside the 18-yard box hit the post and a beautiful delivery from Yunus Sentamu was missed by Milton Karisa.
In the 74th minute, goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza saved as well to deny TP Mazembe’s Rainford Kalaba. After the mandatory 90 minutes, the referee immediately signaled time for penalties.
TP Mazembe’s Tandi Mwape skied the initial penalty while Vipers’ Bright Anukani scored for a 0-1 score. Ernest Luzolo eventually found the back of the net but Disan Galiwango ensured a 1-2 margin.
TP Mazembe’s Glody Likonza further dented his team’s hopes when he placed the ball wide, Ashraf Mandela capitalizing for a 1-3 score in favour of Vipers SC.
Issama Mpeko Djos’ successful penalty thereafter would not mean much because Olivier Osomba scored to seal the victory 2-4.
Vipers SC is now the first Ugandan football club to reach the group stages of the Caf Champions League since KCCA FC in 2018. Vipers haven’t conceded a goal in all 5 matches this season.
