By Juma Kruz
Group C results
Vipers SC 0-1 Simba SC – St. Mary’s stadium Kitende
Raja Casablanca 2-0 AC Horoya
Vipers SC showcased their floodlights in the CAF Champions League game against East African neighbors Simba SC as they went on to lose by a 1-0 score infront of the crowd almost to full capacity.
The Iights are a new addition to St. Mary’s stadium in Kitende and it should have lit up the energy in a continental game with the fans to full capacity but they failed to capitalise on the night lights hence turning dark to the home team as they lost their first duel on floodlights.
Simba SC scored through Congolese defender Henock Inonga Baka in the 20th minute who tapped in following Muhammad Hussein Free kick that was headed in his path.
Vipers’ Congolese Goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza failed to time the cross from a long range free kick which later costed his team as the defenders went to sleep leaving Baka unmarked in the penalty area.
The venoms best chances came in the early minutes of first half before conceding the goal in the 20th minute though Simba’s defence worked hand in hand with their Goalkeeper for the Clean sheet.
Both Milton karisa and Yunus Sentamu had Chances to gift Venoms glory though we’re denied by Simba’s Goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
However the Visitors also created Some moments though they failed to utilise the chances to change the score.
Clautus Charma, Prosper Kibu, Moses Phiri and Ntinbazonkiza had all chances to purnish the Venoms but all wasted them. Vipers loss to Simba in the CAF champions league has spurred more pressure to Brazilian-Spanish coach Beto Bianchi who is yet to score a single goal in his tenure as the head coach.
They now currently sit bottom in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF champions league with just a single point from their goalless draw against Horoya.
In the Other game in the Group C, Raja Casablanca defeated Horoya AC 2-0 in Morocco to earn all the 9 possible points.
Therefore Horoya AC comes Second with 4 points and Simba third with 3 points.
In the first Return tie, Vipers will visit Simba SC in Tanzania Dar es Salaam on 8th March, Meanwhile Raja Casablanca will be taking on Horoya AC in Guinea.
Vipers SC starting XI
Alfred Mudekereza (GK), Disan Galiwango, Hillary Mukundane, Ashraf Mandela, Livingston Mulondo, Siraje Sentamu, Abdul Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Abdul Lumala, Yunus Sentamu, Milton karisa (C).
Substitutes
Fabien Mutomboro (GK), Serge Robert Mwenge, Desire Tety, Martin Kizza, Ibrahim Orit, Frank Zaga, Najib Yiga, Asiku Bashir, Luyima Enock.
Simba SC starting XI
Aishi Manula (GK), Shomari kapombe, Sadio Kanoute, Joash Onyango, Hussein Mohammed, Clatous Chama, Moses Phiri, Mzamiru Said, Ntibazonkiza Saidi, Kibu Prosper, Henock Baka.
Substitutes
Jean Othos, Isreal Mwenda, Pape Sakho, Erasto Nyoni, John Bocco, Juma Kennedy, Benno Kakolanya, Habibu Kyombo.
