Vipers SC Seek Strong Home Start Against FC Nouadhibou in CAF Champions League

Vipers SC will be seeking to make a strong start to their 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign when they host Mauritanian champions FC Nouadhibou in the first leg of the first-round tie at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Saturday evening.

The highly anticipated continental encounter kicks off at 7pm, with the Venoms looking to secure a crucial home advantage before travelling to Mauritania for the return leg.

Vipers head coach Denis Lavagne says his side is well prepared for the challenge and is determined to deliver a strong performance against a team with considerable experience in African club football.

The French tactician acknowledged the quality of FC Nouadhibou but insisted that Vipers will focus on their own preparations and strengths as they seek an early advantage in the two-legged contest.

“We have prepared well. It’s a difficult game because all the teams in this competition are big. But we only need to give a big performance and ensure we assume an early advantage,” Lavagne said.

Lavagne added that his players understand the importance of starting the campaign positively, particularly at home, where Vipers will be expected to take the initiative before facing the difficult task of playing away in Mauritania.

“I know we are going to face a good team with quality and experience, but we are focusing on ourselves and we are in good shape for the match,” he said.

The Vipers coach described the clash as another important opportunity for the Uganda Premier League side to showcase its quality on the continental stage.

“It is another opportunity to showcase what we have. We are doing it against a very good side who were in the group stages in 2024,” Lavagne explained.

FC Nouadhibou arrive in Uganda carrying the confidence of being Mauritanian Premier League champions and with valuable experience from previous CAF Champions League campaigns.

Their appearance in the competition's group stages in 2024 underlines the magnitude of the challenge awaiting Vipers, who will have to combine discipline, attacking ambition and defensive solidity to take a favourable result into the second leg.

Karisa Urges Vipers to Maximise Home Advantage

Vipers captain Milton Karisa has also stressed the importance of making their home advantage count while warning that the Venoms cannot afford to allow FC Nouadhibou an easy route back into the tie.

Karisa said playing at St. Mary’s Stadium presents an important opportunity for Vipers but noted that home advantage can quickly disappear if the hosts concede.

“Playing at home is an advantage, but it can also become a disadvantage in the CAF Champions League if you concede. We have to take advantage of playing at home,” Karisa said.

The experienced forward will be expected to provide leadership both on and off the pitch as Vipers attempt to establish control over the tie.

His message reflects the importance of Saturday's opening leg, with the Venoms keen to build a healthy advantage while remaining cautious against a Nouadhibou side capable of causing problems.

A convincing performance and positive result at Kitende would not only give Vipers confidence heading into the return fixture but could also provide momentum for their wider ambitions in this season's CAF Champions League.

Fans Called Upon to Turn Out

Vipers supporters are expected to turn out in large numbers at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, as the club begins another journey in Africa's premier club competition.

Ordinary tickets for the match have been set at Shs20,000, while VIP tickets will cost Shs40,000.

The club will be hoping for a strong home atmosphere as the players seek to take the first important step towards progressing to the next stage of the competition.

With both teams carrying domestic championship credentials and continental ambitions, Saturday night's encounter promises to be a demanding test for the Venoms.

For Lavagne and his players, however, the immediate objective is clear: produce a big performance, make home advantage count and take an early lead in the tie before the decisive trip to Mauritania.

Match Details

Competition: TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27

Stage: First Round, First Leg

Match: Vipers SC vs FC Nouadhibou

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende

Kick-off: 7:00pm

Ordinary Ticket: Shs20,000

VIP Ticket: Shs40,000

Vipers SC will be looking to ensure that their CAF Champions League journey begins with a statement victory in front of their home supporters.