Vipers SC suffered a 2–1 home defeat to Zambia’s Power Dynamos in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round played on Sunday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The Venoms took the lead through Yunus Junior Sentamu early in the second half, but defensive lapses saw the visitors respond with two goals to claim a crucial away win.
The first half was tight, with both sides creating few chances. Vipers came closest before the break when Power Dynamos goalkeeper Willard Mwanza pulled off a double save to deny Sentamu and Milton Karisa.
Two minutes after the restart, Sentamu pounced on a loose ball to give the hosts the advantage. But the lead was short-lived, as Moses Shuma equalised after Vipers failed to clear their lines.
The game took another twist in the 77th minute when defender Derrick Ndahiro turned the ball into his own net while attempting to cut off a cross.
Coach Ivan Minnaert’s substitutions, including debutant Arafat Usama Kizza, could not spark a comeback as the Zambians held firm to secure the win.
Vipers now face a tough trip to Kitwe, Zambia for Friday’s return leg, where they must overturn the deficit to reach the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
