Vipers SC’s dream of a CAF Champions League group-stage return slipped away on Friday night despite a spirited display against Zambia’s Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Needing victory to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit, the Ugandan champions arrived with renewed belief and a reshuffled lineup as coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert sought to spark a turnaround. The Belgian tactician made five changes from the side that started in Kitende, introducing Rogers Torach and Hillary Mukundane in central defence, while Enock Luyima, Enock Ssebagala, Gusto Mulongo, and Arafat Usama Kizza also earned starting spots.
For long stretches, Vipers matched their hosts in intensity and organization, but their resilience was undone midway through the second half when Kenyan forward Moses Shumah pounced in the 68th minute to hand Power Dynamos the lead.
Substitute Abdu Karim Watambala reignited hope for the Venoms with a fine equalizer late in the game, yet the goal proved merely consolatory as the clock ran out on their continental campaign.
The tie ended 3-2 on aggregate in favour of the Zambian champions, who advance to the lucrative group stage, leaving Vipers to reflect on what might have been after another near-miss on the African stage.
Power Dynamos will now await the group-stage draw scheduled for November 3rd, while Vipers turn their attention back to domestic battles, determined to rebuild and return stronger.
