Vipers SC Set for CAF Champions League Return Against African Stars FC

Vipers SC are ready to roar back onto Africa’s biggest club football stage, kicking off their 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign with a first-leg clash away to African Stars FC of Namibia between 19–21 September 2025.

Fresh from a historic domestic double last season, the Venoms — affectionately nicknamed Ssalongo — have spent the off-season reinforcing their squad with a string of high-profile signings. This calculated recruitment drive reflects the ambitions of head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert, who has made it clear that Vipers are aiming to be more than just participants in this year’s competition.

Saturday’s preliminary round draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, revealed the Venoms’ route to the group stage. After the first leg in Windhoek, Vipers will host African Stars in the return fixture at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, between 26–28 September 2025.

The aggregate winner will advance to face either Power Dynamos FC of Zambia or ASEC Mimosas FC of Côte d’Ivoire in the second preliminary round. If they progress, Vipers will host the first leg from 17–19 October, before traveling away for the return leg between 24–26 October 2025.

Vipers have previous experience at this level, memorably reaching the CAF Champions League group stage in the 2022/23 season after eliminating Olympic de Bangui (Central African Republic) and the legendary TP Mazembe (DR Congo). That campaign placed them in a challenging group alongside Raja Casablanca (Morocco), Horoya AC (Guinea), and Simba SC (Tanzania), where they gained valuable continental experience.

With that taste of elite African football still fresh, the Venoms are confident they can replicate — and even surpass — that success. “We’ve prepared well and strengthened in key areas. This is about making a statement for Ugandan football,” Coach Minnaert is expected to emphasize as the campaign begins.

African Stars FC are no strangers to domestic dominance in Namibia and are known for their disciplined defensive setups and clinical counterattacks. The Namibian champions will be looking to use their home advantage in the first leg to put pressure on Vipers before the return leg in Uganda.

Uganda has been craving consistent representation in the CAF Champions League group stages, and Vipers’ progress could inspire other Ugandan clubs to dream bigger. Their success would also boost the country’s CAF club ranking, opening more doors for Ugandan football on the continental stage.

First Preliminary Round, 1st Leg: African Stars FC vs Vipers SC – 19–21 September 2025 (Windhoek)

Second Leg: Vipers SC vs African Stars FC – 26–28 September 2025 (St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende)

Potential Second Preliminary Round Opponents: Power Dynamos (Zambia) or ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire)

With a blend of local stars, international signings, and an ambitious technical bench, Vipers SC are eyeing another historic run. For the Venoms, it’s not just about qualifying — it’s about proving they belong among Africa’s footballing elite.