*Total CAF Champions League
Vipers SC ?? 1 El Merreikh?? 0
(Aggregate Score 2-2 -*Vipers SC Advance on Away goals rule)
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Vipers Sports Club advanced to the next stage of the Total CAF Champions League after edging Sudanese outfit El Merreikh in the return leg of their preliminary round contest at St.Mary’s stadium on Wednesday.
Abraham Ndugwa’s second half goal was enough to guide the Venoms to a 1-0 win, a result that ensured they progressed to the first round.
The reverse fixture in Khartoum last week ended 2-1 in favour of Al Merreikh and the Venoms needed victory without conceding to guarantee their place.
Viper started strongly but failed to capitalise on the earlier chances despite dominating proceedings in the second stanza.
The best chance came 23 minutes into the game, when Tito Okello beat El Merreikh’s defence and was faced with just the goalkeeper but his shot was parried away for a corner kick.
Dan Muzeeyi Sserunkuma almost scored from the resultant corner but his header at the far post went just inches off target.
The priceless goal came two minutes into the second half with Ndugwa breaking the deadlock, scoring a fine goal.
The forward made a quick run into the box to connect a lay up by Sserunkuma, took his time, chose his spot, before slotting home.
The long awaited goal sent the fans into wild celebrations and gave Vipers SC the pole position in the fixture.
We beat Sudanese side El Merriekh 1-0 in the 2nd leg of our #CAFCL preliminary round tie at St Mary’s Stadium to reach the next round with a 2-2 aggregate away goal.
AdvertisementFor The Full Story ➤ https://t.co/YdGqpjwzzk#TotalCAFCL #CAFCL pic.twitter.com/l3iOn4fiMk
— Vipers Sports Club (@VipersSC) December 5, 2018
Okello would have doubled the lead moments later when Taddeo won possession at the centre line, passed to Moses Waiswa who released Okello on the right flank but his effort hit on the side net.
Ndugwa and Waiswa were withdrawn in the 61st minute paving way for Noah Wafula and Davis Kasirye.
Goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya remained composed in goal to deny the visitors on two occasions when they went through.
Later on the manager brought on defender Ibrahim Kiyemba to replace Okello who was stretched off.
The win means Vipers SC advance to the first round where they will face either GAMTEL from Gambia or Club Sportive Constantine from Algeria.
*Vipers SC Starting XI: Bashir Ssekagya, Geoffrey Wasswa, Yayo Lutimba,Halid Lwalilwa, Livingstone Mulondo,Taddeo Lwanga, Brian Nkuubi, Moses Waiswa (Noah Wafula), Dan Sserunkuma,Tito Okello (Ibrahim Kiyemba), Abraham Ndugwa (Davis Kasirye)
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SOURCE: Vipers Webste (click)