Vipers Advance in CAF Champions League as NEC Bow Out on Away Goals in Nairobi

Ugandan football experienced mixed fortunes over the weekend on the continental stage, with Vipers SC progressing to the next round of the CAF Champions League while NEC FC’s fairytale debut in the Confederation Cup came to an end in Nairobi.

Vipers Seal Champions League Progress

At St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, Ugandan champions Vipers SC secured a 1-0 victory over Namibia’s African Stars, completing a 2-0 aggregate win to move into the second round of the CAF Champions League preliminary stage.

Striker Yunus Sentamu proved the match-winner, striking in the 61st minute before a lively home crowd. Sentamu had earlier been denied the chance to provide an assist when his low cross was cut out, but he made no mistake minutes later, calmly finishing off a flowing Venoms move.

Defender Hilary Mukundane had already set the tone with his crucial away goal in Cape Town during the first leg, giving Vipers the edge coming into the return fixture.

Coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert, in his first home game in charge, praised his players for composure and control, though the Namibian side did pose threats of their own. “We played with discipline and took our chances,” he remarked after the final whistle.

The victory means Vipers continue their quest to reach the lucrative group stages, a stage Ugandan clubs have often found difficult to navigate.

NEC Fall Short Despite Brave Fight

In contrast, Uganda’s Confederation Cup representatives NEC FC were left heartbroken after being eliminated by Nairobi United on the away goals rule.

The Kampala-based side, making their continental debut, drew 1-1 at Nyayo Stadium to tie the contest 3-3 on aggregate. However, with the Kenyans having scored more away goals in the first leg, NEC bowed out.

Defender Charles Waibi had given NEC hope with a 27th-minute strike that temporarily put them ahead in the tie. But midway through the second half, Nairobi’s Duncan Omala equalised to tilt the balance back in favour of the hosts.

Despite a spirited performance, NEC could not find the decisive second goal that would have sent them through. The exit nonetheless marks a promising continental introduction for the Ugandan club, who only recently established themselves in top-flight football.

Mixed Fortunes for Uganda

The results highlight the contrasting paths of the two Ugandan representatives. Vipers’ victory ensures the nation maintains a presence in the CAF Champions League’s next round, while NEC will have to regroup domestically after their early Confederation Cup exit.

For Ugandan football fans, the weekend served as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the fine margins that define continental competition.