By Robert Kayindi James
Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) reigning champions Vipers Sports Club have today pipped Nigerian side Enyimba Football Club by 1-0 in the CAF Champions League.
The two sides faced off for the first time ever in either club’s history at the heart of Kampala at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium in the first leg of the preliminary round of the Continental CAF Champions League.
In a highly contested duel, the sides played to a barren first half despite the home side coming close to getting a lead on a few occasions.
In the second half, Uganda Cranes striker Erisa Ssekisambu showcased his individual brilliance when he drove off alone from the left wing and dribbled passed one defender before smashing the ball into the top right corner of the goal.
It was that 74th minute strike that eventually turned out to be the match winner for Vipers who will soon travel to Nigeria for the return fixture, seeking at least a draw to progress to the next level of the competition.
Team Lineups:
Vipers statrting XI: James Alitho (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Dan Bilikwalira, HalidLwaliwa, YusufMukisa, Deus Bukenya, Patrick Sembuya, John Ssemazzi, KezironKizito, ErisaSekisambu, Mike Mutyaba
Subs: James Ahebwa, Brian Nkuubi, Allan Kyambadde, Musa Malunda, DuncaSsenindde, William Wadri, Pius Wanji
Enyimba starting XI:Afelokhai Theophilus (G.K), LidojiChinedu Joseph, Akabueze John Uche, UgwuUwadiegwu Henry, OjoOlunaDamilare, Anyanwa Emmanuel, Andrew Abalaogu, Peter Onyekachi, Christian Pyagbara, OlufemiOladipo, Joseph Osadiaye
Subs: Moses Ocheje (G.K), Anaemena Ifeanyi, Ike ThankGod, Kester Oahimijie, Nzube, Etor Daniel Essien, Stephen Chukwude