Ugandan champions Vipers SC got their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominant 3-0 victory over Djiboutian side Garde Republicaine in their Group A opener at Amahoro Stadium.
Goals from star player Farouk Miya and defender Abdu Watambala secured all three points for the Venoms, but the final scoreline only hints at the intensity of the encounter and the strategic performance delivered by the Vipers team.
The tone for the match was set early on. Farouk Miya, returning to the Vipers squad after some time away, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a beautifully executed free-kick from a difficult angle. His clinical finish immediately put Garde Republicaine on the back foot.
“It wasn’t an easy game,” Miya commented shortly after the match. “We knew they would be a tough opponent, but we just implemented what the coach told us. We were patient and took our chances.”
The Venoms continued to control the tempo, moving the ball with confidence and purpose. In the 38th minute, Miya doubled his tally, expertly guiding a shot into the net to give Vipers a commanding 2-0 lead going into the break.
The second half began in a similar vein, with Vipers commanding possession. Just two minutes into the restart, Watambala, popped up in the box and put the ball past the Garde Republicaine goalkeeper, all but sealing the victory.
From then on, Vipers managed the game with maturity, content to protect their lead while still carving out a few more scoring opportunities. The defense, led by Watambala and the experienced Halid Lwaliwa, remained resolute, limiting Garde Republicaine’s chances.
Speaking to the media after the game, Vipers head coach praised his team’s first-half display, but emphasized the importance of not getting complacent.
“I think we played a good first half and scored good goals from good action,” the coach said. “But it is a first game. We are not ready 100 percent perfect, and we have more difficult games ahead.”
He highlighted the team’s tactical discipline and commitment, but also identified areas for improvement before their next challenge.
With this convincing win, Vipers now shift their attention to their remaining Group A matches. Next up, they face Kenyan giants Gor Mahia before taking on Rwandan champions APR FC in a mouth-watering clash.
These encounters promise to provide sterner tests, and the Venoms will need to be at their best to navigate these difficult fixtures.
Rwanda’s APR FC will later take on Gor Mahia from Kenya in another Group A game.
